The Road to Damascus
Monday 04 February 2013
“What’s the difference between Syrian and Lebanese food”? I asked the agreeable chap, who was wearing a fez and colourful national dress, at the new Damascus Gate restaurant on Upper Camden Street. “Nothing really,” he replied, “but like the Irish, so many Lebanese people have gone out of their country and settled around the world that people are familiar with Lebanese food – they would not perhaps recognize Syrian food if I just said that.” The welcome had been warm when we arrived as they offered us the choice of two tables, one in the front more casual section, or in the room to the rear which had exotic North African dark wood beautiful imposing seating. We went with the exotic touch, complete with appropriate music, and which also gave us views through into the traditional low cushioned ‘smoking’ room or Shisha Bar.
I couldn’t but comment on the wonderful array of sweet treats lined up on the counter in the front section, from Baklava, to date stuffed pastry confections, almond and orange twirls, and amazing chocolate orange tarts. “They are all made here, we have a big kitchen downstairs.” Our friend ‘Ghandi’ told us. I could see these being a huge draw, more particularly as the restaurant opens all day from breakfast through lunch and dinner. You can also bring your own wine, and there is no corkage charge.
I love the Mezze (starters) selection in Meditteranean restaurants, and here they were broken into Vegetarian or Meat from €5- €8.00. Hummus Damashky was vegetarian with sesame, lemon juice and olive oil, whilst Hummus Bel Lahmeh was topped with minced lamb marinated in olive oil. Other options included stuffed vine leaves, Tabbouleh, lentil soup with fried onion, and Arays Tadmor - pitta bread filled with minced beef, onion and tomato sauce. His Excellency enjoyed his substantial triangular chicken stuffed Fatayr pastry parcels (€6.50) backed up with garlic mayonnaise, mixed salad, and aubergine puree topped with pomegranate seeds. From a choice of three Mezza selections at €10.90 each, I went with Al Sham Mezza which included a brace of the ever popular deep fried bean patties, Falafels, another brace of triangular pastry filled lamb Sambosas, a blob of pomegranate topped Baba Ganog aubergine puree, hummus drizzled with olive oil, lemon and chilli, and yoghurt and cucumber salad. I love cold food and varieties of salads, and North African food is great for vegetarians with their huge range of legumes and pulses. In fact, I was almost hard aground after the Mezza selection – so order carefully.
Mains €13 - €18 included a good range of principally chicken and lamb dishes, cooked both on and off skewers in multifarious ways from Sabanch be Lahim, which had lamb cooked with spinach and chickpeas with rice and lemon, to Amman Chicken, which was chicken fillet stuffed with parsley, garlic and olive oil, a little liked Chicken Kiev, and slow cooked in the oven. We went for two dishes from the Damascus Gate Specialties. Brendan chose Farroug Mahshy (€18), which proved an alarmingly large “baby chicken”, stuffed with Bulgar wheat, minced lamb and pinenuts, on a platter with pickled cauliflower and carrots. The waiter carved it but you would need a hefty appetite. Couscous Be Allhem (€18), a rustic style lamb stew served with a large amount of couscous, which was pleasant but a bit bland for my tastes. I did very much enjoy a side dish of Moabal (€6.50), grilled aubergine puree mixed with tahini and lemon juice, and Batata Alakefak (€6.50) cubed fried potatoes dusted with chilli, garlic and coriander.
I had to try the various sweet treats (€4.50) and for me personally it is the Mezze selection and sweet treats that are the stars that draw me to Middle Eastern food. With our BYO bottle of wine (€10.99) our evening with optional service came to €89.89. I can see a lot of fun being had here – and there is even a microphone for Middle Eastern Karaoke nights!
Damascus Gate,
10 Upper Camden Street,
Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 475-2000
www.lucindaosullivan.com