Kilis Kitchen

Named after the Turkish city, Kilis is a fabulous little gem we discovered on Sunday night after a swim in our local pool. Cosy dark wooden floors, exposed stone and brick walls and lots of lamps and big terracotta pots, this place already feels like it could be a favourite. 
The owner came out and greeted us, and the friendly but unimposing service continued through the evening. There was one girl who clearly couldn't speak much English, but I apparently I can speak fluent Turkish if I am hungry enough... 

They have an enormous menu of Turkish, Syrian and Lebanese food (don't let the sheer volume of choice put you off, but do order some of their warm "puffy bread" bread if you are famished so you can concentrate on choosing). 

If you do get there and the menu is just too much, then order the mixed meze - always a good option to get a taste of everything without all the faff of trawling. 

Trying not to be lazy, I ordered a bowl of mixed olives, and the stuffed vine leaves ("dolmas") with rice and pine nuts, all served with a dollop of natural yoghurt - this is served with a lot of Turkish food. 

Tomasz went for the King Prawns sautéed in garlic, chives and oil.   

The oven baked stuffed courgette, aubergine and pepper was a little too "vegetarian" for Tomasz, although it clearly had lots of minced beef in it and was I thought, extremely tasty, especially with the little jewel pomegranate seeds scattered across the plate...

My Kleftico was sublime. Soft and tender lamb shank falling off the bone with vegetables and rice, and all served on an Aladdin style silver dish. Now where are my three wishes....?

As seems to be the style with these sorts of restaurants, we got our bill in a little wooden box. Remember my post about the other Turkish place we went to? They did the same thing and I think it's a charming touch, but even more charming - all of this only came to £55. Bargain. 

Tomasz was very happy about this...