Villa Mamas - Homey, Rustic, Yummy

Villa Mamas will always be one of the correct answers to the question; Where do you want to eat? They serve Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner so you can dine anytime! The food is undeniably delicious and the service has improved. Now on to the NOM! 

We went on a day where they had, ghoozi, yes ghooozi!! I’m flabbergasted (and slightly jealous) of how amazing and elegant they made ghoozi look and taste! Taking away the obvious carcass aspect makes it a more apporachable dish for a girl. That Tangy Nutty Chicken (TNC), contains a property that makes you crave it. I think it’s called salt. Whatever it is, it’s addictive. The Juicy Kabab, The TNC, all the rice dishes are highly recommended. Note: They’re not always available on the day you choose to dine. You can either ask in advance, follow them on twitter, or just roulette it and see what you find that day. I think the uncertainty adds an element of fun and mystery. I don’t mind if certain items on the menu are not always available. However, there is one item that I wish they’d take a closer look at.

In my opinion: stay away from the burger. I’m not going to say much (as to not offend anyone) but I’ll just say this: Over. Processed. Meat. Don’t grind it to a paste! Please! (I didn’t enjoy the texture) The condiments, the bun, and veg didn’t help either. The fries were the best thing on that platter. My input: the burger needs a complete over haul. But it’s pretty, I’ll give them that. There are many other marvelous dishes to enjoy.

The TNC, I call it mini fesenjān, is a lighter version of this time consuming (to make, not to eat) stew. However this dish is not a stew. It’s an evaporated version, one much more heartier and flavorful. The gloriously tender chicken is coated with a tangy, not so much nutty, pomegranate molasses sauce, and topped with crunchy bits of I’m not sure what, but it seems oniony to me. Read: onion = good.  If you think that yogurt on the side will cool things down, it won’t. How they made a creamy cool dressing spicy, is beyond me. It enhances the flavors of the TNC and thus achieves it’s purpose as a condiment. This is my favorite dish bar none. I even tweeted them once to ask that they make it on a particular day; and they obliged. 10 points for Villa Mamas!

The pineapple upside down cake was a total surprise. I didn’t expect to like it but I do. I really do! Especially the burnt sugar crust that forms on the top (bottom?) That is the bite worth fighting for. Just don’t stab someone with the fork while eating this! 

I peronally think the best red velvet cakes are made at home. By you or someone you love. That’s how a cake this dense and RED should be enjoyed. But as far as what’s available on the market, Villa Mama’s RV cake is quite good. See, I don’t mind the coconut, but for some it is a deterring factor in their overall enjoyment of this confection. The cake is sweet, tangy, and delivers what a red velvet cake promises to do; make you uncontrolably hyper and burst out in song every chance you get. No? Just me. Oh well. 

Saar Avenue Villas Complex, opposite Saar Cinema.

It’s quite an adventure to get there on your first time. Don’t be afraid of going through the braided plam tree leaves fence and onto a bumpy gravel path. Homey and rustic to the core. 

Tel: 17305031 or 39942449

Twitter: @VillaMamas 

PS>>> I forgot to mention the eggplant explosion!! I never have any pictures because it's gone as soon as it arrives on the table. Good stuff!