Today I was visiting JamJar Canteen, their sit down restaurant with a more expensive menu than their other, smaller grab and go concepts. Here, as one of the Vancouver Foodster Margarita Challenge judges. I was y asked with trying each of the competing cocktails and helping to decide a winner based on originality, presentation, and taste.
This was the Za’atar Rosemary Margarita made with Tequila, rosemary, za’atar syrup, and lime. At its base it was a familiar lime based margarita, but the twist was the use of more fragrant and zesty spices, often found in Lebanese cuisine. Thus, making the drink a great accompaniment for food. An interesting take that is available all year round, and not just for the competition.
For food we had the “Makali” a great vegan and gluten-free option of deep fried cauliflower tossed in a pomegranate molasses. Best eaten fresh and immediately as the syrupy sauce does cause the deep fry vegetable to go soggy. A sweet and salty mix that I could have used a little less of, but it won’t stop me from ordering it again and again either.
A great way to be able to try a little of all their appetizers and dips is with the “Tabblieh”, which translates to “The Board”. Another great vegetable based option that can be easily made vegan, if you opt out of the feta. This is an assemble of seasoned olives, pickled baby eggplants, feta, original hummus, spinach dip, mama’s mohamarra dip, and muttabel.
Served with a flat bread pizza made with pita dough topped with tomato and fragrant onions. For a little more pop, I had it with the feta above. As is, the cheese was a little too much and too salty, especially alongside the briny olives and the pickled eggplant that overpowered the serving. The eggplant was left behind, as there was not enough pita presented with this to help balance it all out.
The Original Hummus is a creamy chickpea dip and a classic. Although, I would actually suggest ordering their seasonal Hummus Trio, where you not only get a serving of regular hummus, but get to try a sweet and savoury option alongside it as well.
Their spinach dip is more spinach than dip. It may look a little off putting without cream, with the consistency of spinach leaves juiced and compressed. However, seasoned with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice it was tasty and it felt like you made a healthy choice by having it.
Mama’s Mohamarra is a dip of fresh red pepper, hazelnut, cashew, walnut, almond, and cumin. The texture is that of chopped nuts, they add a crunchy texture and at times overpowered the roasted red pepper spice. A unique take and one I have not had or seen else where.
“Muttabel” is a roasted eggplant dip seasoned with tahini, lemon, and garlic. A chunky mash with a nice roasted flavour to it, after the hummus, this was my second favourite of the board.
Similarly, in order to try majority of their grilled meats look to their “Mashawi” platter. A mixed grill assembly of chicken shawarma, beef kafta, makanik lamb sausages, turmeric rice, roasted tomatoes, and sumac onions. A feast ideal for two to share.
The Chicken Skewers are chicken shawarma, veggies, and toum; which is a whipped garlic dressing. The chicken was tender and the meat well seasoned. Good as is, better with a mouthful of the dry and fragrant rice.
The Beef Kafta Skewers are grilled ground beef, parsley, onion, spices, and pomegranate molasses. Each patty is hearty and herbaceous, best with a dab of the mint dip for a balancing freshness, and more rice for base.
“Makanik” are lamb sausages seasoned in red wine with seven spices and turnip pickles. Gamey dark meat lightened with sweet bell peppers.
In closing JamJar is my go-to for comfort Lebanese cuisine. Always a delicious time over good food and drinks. Be sure to head down and try their cocktail creation before the end of the month and vote for your favourite for people’s choice in the Vancouver Foodster Margarita Challenge 2023.
JamJar Canteen
2290 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4B5
604-252-3957
jamjarcanteen.ca
