#Yamas Mediterranean Street Food

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 231

In Episode #231, proudly recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza: Tim discusses: Willow’s Bistro closes, and a new restaurant takes its place. Lot 63 takes the place of the Moravian bookstore and gift shop in Old Salem. Some aren’t happy about it. Que Vida is open! Slappy’s Chicken is back, and so is the drama! The latest from the soap opera called “Winston-Salem Eats.” This…

[scorpionc]

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 9/7/19

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 9/7/19 #records #underdogrecords #discogs

Salutations™!!

Yesterday, The BCPF and I got to attend a 60th birthday bash unlike either of us had seen before. The Michael family (the awesome owners of Yamas!, Cin-Cin, Waldo’s Wings and Mama Zöe Michael’s restaurants) celebrated the matriarch’s milestone and the shindig was amazing! That’s their business and I won’t go on about it, but I want to extend a big thank you to the family for…

[hernehillandy]

My big fat Greek fusion dinner

It remains a mystery why London’s Greek restaurants are so rubbish. Ok, not rubbish, just... unadventurous. Regular readers of this blog will know it’s a question I’ve asked of Greece’s own restaurants too.

This is not to deny that I have a slavish devotion to taramasalata, gyros and pork souvlaki (indeed I am salivating as I type these words) – and for such traditional fare, it’s hard to beat joints like Mornington Crescent’s Yamas. Meanwhile the proliferation amidst the street food explosion of souvlaki stalls like PopBrixton’s excellent Souvlaki Street has brought joy to my life.

It’s just that Greek food as delivered in Athens’s more on-trend eateries can be so much more inventive – and it could be thus in London.

We have a fairly sizeable community of educated, food-conscious Greeks (OK, so there isn’t really another kind of Greek.) Perhaps even important, the influence here of Yotam Ottolenghi seems to wax ever stronger in popularising eastern-Mediterranean fusion cuisine. There’s now a Sainsbury’s own-brand za’atar, for God’s sake. And there’s a thrillingly eclectic approach to Greek food on show at restaurants like the “pan-Balkan” Peckham Bazaar and it’s new-ish sister restaurant, the low-key-but-brilliant Dulwich Lyceum.

But to see such innovation from Greek Londoners (Peckham Bazaar’s John Gionleka is Albanian) is rare. There’s the very decent Mazi in Notting Hill, with its deconstructed classics. But Theodore Kyriakou’s fine Greek Larder in King’s Cross has closed, while his Real Greek has long since been sold on, subsiding into chain mediocrity.

Enter Ampéli, a new venture from delightful Athenian news-photographer-turned-restaurateur Jenny Pagoni. Ampéli freely borrows from across the eastern Mediterranean and indeed even further around its shores – not surprising, given that Head Chef Oren Goldfeld is an Ottolenghi veteran, ex-Nopi. And the result is very successful.

The menu is focussed on snacks and “social plates” – mezze for sharing – though there are larger plates and desserts too. We stuck to the shared plates, starting with whipped feta with pistachio, Aleppo pepper – a sophisticated take on the classic htipiti dip. The Eastern Mediterranean fusion is clear on dishes such as the delectable pan-fried lamb sweetbreads with Jerusalem spice mix, almond sauce, pickles, or a raw salad of market vegetables, aromatic herbs, Tsalafouti cheese, preserved lemon, za’atar.

And there are other dishes that mix influences even more freely: spiced potato burik with brown shrimp, runny egg yolk, harissa mayo (irresistible), salt cod croquettes, samphire and yoghurt tartar (very good) and home-cured tuna “Pastirma” (aka Andalucia’s mojama), fava purée and capers on toasted sourdough. Plus are a handful of more traditional Greek offerings are tucked away on the menu, such as baked gigantes beans with smoked Metsovone cheese. 

Just as important, Ampéli’s wine list is impressive – indeed probably now the most extensive Greek list in London, though not such a surprise given the restaurant’s name (ampeli/ αμπέλι means vineyard). Curated by Greek MW Yiannis Karakasis, it includes a long list by the glass. There are plenty of unusual regions and producers here: I particularly enyoyed Chloe Chatzivaritis’s “Mus” 2018, Goumenissa, full of classic xinomavro fragrance and elegance, and Rouvalis Winery’s “Tsiggelo” 2017, PGI Slopes of Aigialeia, a rare fully dry mavrodaphne. I have to admit I was less impressed with the “new age retsina”. And there are better-established favourites here too from Sigalas, Thymiopoulos, Biblia Chora and Gerovassiliou.

Ampéli is a must-try for any devotee of Greek wine and food. Just don’t try asking for moussaka and chips…

Ampéli, 18 Charlotte St, London W1 020 33555370  www.ampeli.london

14 February 2020

[kneedeepinthehooplaa]

Having a delicious Gyro @eatyamas while enjoying an unexpected warm Spring day. (at Yamas Mediterranean Street Food) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ccst9nzOugE9GpkkObsB87_FRQWZ9vrUCW7GTQ0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 230

In Episode #230 proudly recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza: Tim discusses: Tre Nonné has closed permanently. Que Vida Latin Street Grill will replace it. Tim and Street Team Steve visited K-Stop and here’s Tim’s report. Diamondback Grill is opening a new downtown location. Carroll Leggett gets (mostly) to the bottom of what is going into the old Hops Burger Bar location…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 229

In Episode #229 proudly recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza: Tim discusses: Tim is back! He talks about what kept him away. An update – a REAL update – on Slappy’s Chicken. Black Mountain Chocolate news. Visit The Go-To Winston-Salem to find out about events around the WSNC area. Don’t forget our sponsors: Mojito Latin Soul Food is creating scrumptious Cuban-inspired,…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 212

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 212 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

In Episode #212 proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios in The Lab at Industry Hill: We are now featured on the Triad Podcast Network! Tim and Ray talk about: Ray’s last show. No show next week. Andreas Kazakos passes away. WS Food Truck Festival. Bojangles closes for employee rest. Culver’s opens it’s first triad location. Tim and Stephanie went to Honky Tonk Smokehouse and…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 199

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 199 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

In Episode #199, proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios (South). Zoom sponsored by Bull’s Tavern: We are now featured on the Triad Podcast Network! Tim, Ray talk about: Many restaurants are hiring in WSNC. La Botana opened all week. Gatsby’s is reopening on Wednesday 5/19. Tim talks about The Country Spinner and a Burger Tour ’21 update. “The List” is discussed as well as other food…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 198

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 198 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

In Episode #198, proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios (South). Zoom sponsored by Bull’s Tavern: We are now featured on the Triad Podcast Network! Tim, Ray talk about: Many restaurants are hiring in WSNC. Mizu Japanese Restaurant now closed on Tuesdays. Mama Mia’s Italian Ice moves to a new Clemmons location. Pie Guys is back open after the fire. Murphy’s Lunch. Slappy’s does a good…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 197

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 197 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

In Episode #197, proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios (South). Zoom sponsored by Bull’s Tavern: We are now featured on the Triad Podcast Network! Tim, Ray talk about: Many restaurants are hiring in WSNC. Crumble Cookie coming to WSNC. Curry and Noodle open in Robinhood Village. Tim rants on social media pages and groups. Burger Tour ’21 update. Other local restaurant news. Tim and Lea…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 196

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 196 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

In Episode #196, proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios (South). Zoom sponsored by Bull’s Tavern: We are now featured on the Triad Podcast Network! Tim, Ray talk about: Monterrey Mexican is definitely closed. Joey Correll news. Black Restaurant Week Apr 23-May 2. See a list of WSNC black-owned businesses here. Arigato closed today but reopen tomorrow. Bar Pina is open again. Today is…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 195

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 195 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

In Episode #195, proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios (South). Zoom sponsored by Bull’s Tavern: We are now featured on the Triad Podcast Network! Tim, Ray talk about: Many restaurants are hiring in WSNC. Hong Kong King is indeed shut down. Curry and Noodle is coming soon. The Flour Box is still looking for a new home. CB’s Tavern is opening a sister establishment in old Hill’s BBQ on…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 194

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 194 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

Pfafftown Kitchen In Episode #194, proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios (South). Zoom sponsored by Bull’s Tavern: We are now featured on the Triad Podcast Network! Tim, Ray talk about: Scott Burton of Pfafftown Kitchen is on to talk about the new restaurant. Canteen changes business model (for now). Earl’s and Kampai change their hours due to staffing issues. Tim and Stephanie, as…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 228

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 228 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

@TGBII (not necessarily the #1) In Episode #228 proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios in The Lab at Industry Hill: Tim and Street Team Steve discuss: The Burger Tour ’21 Results show! Tim reveals where his favorite burgers are around the Triad, mostly in WSNC, in the culmination of a 3/4-year eat-a-thon. The blog post is coming soon. 600 Degrees news. ROAR news. Restaurant…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 227

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 227 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

Chef Eric Brownlee (© is not mine) In Episode #227 proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios in The Lab at Industry Hill: Tim discusses: Chef Eric Brownlee, his wife, Morgan, and Asst FOH Manager, Mark Patykewich of The Katharine Brasserie and Bar in the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel are Tim’s guests. The gang discusses the restaurant, the awesomeness that is Chef Eric Brownlee, French cuisine,…

[themanwhoatethetown]

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 226

The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast Episode 226 #podernfamily #podcasts #podcast #podcastlife #wsnc #TheManWhoAteTheTown #tldnetwork #industryhill #foodie #wsncfood #wsncfoodie

In Episode #226 proudly recorded in The Less Desirables Studios in The Lab at Industry Hill: Tim discusses: Street Team Steven co-hosts with Tim today. Brothers Pizzeria closed for staffing issues. Johnny’s Farmhouse coming to Hanes Mall Blvd. Rhythm. Lounge to open in a new location. West Coast Wanderer reopens after two-month hiatus. Showmars, Bootleg Ramen, Coffee Park Airstream,…