2. Yalla Yalla, Soho - Sawda Djej (Chicken liver with pomegranate molasses)

We all move in our own social circles and it should give you an idea of mine when I say that I ended up in the original, teeny-tiny Yalla Yalla having just attended the London premiere of Dark Knight Rises.

That's right, I move in the circles of utterly overwhelmed competition winners. Despite having walked apologetically (for not being even mildly famous) along the red carpet ("...the red carpet?! But I've come straight from work!"), the film was awesome. And what better way to reflect on an evening that included receiving a free bag of M&Ms (win!) and seeing Tom Hardy in the flesh, than to eat some highly recommended offal?


OK, bit blurry BUT, from right to left: Christopher Nolan (director), Christian Bale (that's right, Batman), Tom Hardy (Bane), some guy from WB. I was sat in front of Benedict Cumberbatch... sucker.

I know I said in my first post that there is literally nothing I won't eat, but liver (along with its good friend kidney) features pretty low on my "foods-I'll-go-out-of-my-way-to-eat" list, so I can't say I was overly excited about this one. However, The List had spoken... in so far as writing can speak.

I wasn't totally sure what pomegranate molasses were so I went off and googled it for you fine people and this is what I found:

"A thick, fragrant and gloriously tangy reduction of pomegranate juice, made by boiling the liquid to a sticky, syrupy consistency, pomegranate molasses is a key ingredient of Middle Eastern-Mediterranean cooking."

So there you go... pomegranate goo.

I like pomegranate goo. The sweetness was a yummy contrast to the savoury liver and made for a tasty dish. The down side was that animal-filter-grainy texture only kidneys and livers can provide; the one that reminds you THIS IS GOOD FOR YOU and in no way steak. I'm trying to think of a comparison but I think it might be in a league of its own; answers in the comments please.

 

Not the prettiest of dishes so kept the picture dainty (thank you Time Out)

However, this was mezze. I love mezze. It's the perfect meal for the indecisively greedy - you're allowed to try a bit of everything you fancy (something that's just that bit less socially acceptable with British food). So the livers were accompanied by spicy sausages, lamb parcels, houmous and pitta, and complimentary olives (complimentary food is another favourite). All this washed down with cocktails and finished off with a bit of Baklava, because dinner isn't dinner without a happy, sugary ending (despite the starter of free M&Ms).

All the dishes were excellent but, controversially, I'd have to say I preferred the sausages. Call me unadventurous but I think I prefer my odd pieces of animal nicely mushed up and indistinguishable. And who doesn't enjoy a spicy sausage?

There are 4 different Yalla Yallas around town but this (their first) restaurant is cosy (only 28 seats) and relaxed; one of those handy little "I-know-this-great-little-place" places. 

Keeping it simple at Yalla Yalla, Green's Court

In the end, I can see why the livers made the list - they're an unusual flavour and definitely worth a try even if you're not sure. However, having just revisited the menu, I've just spotted Sfiha which has pomegranate goo with lamb, hold the offal. Problem solved - that'll be on the list (my list, not The List) for next time, and there will definitely be a next time.