Yaya’s
2424 Van Ness (between
Type: Mesopotamian
Looking for a truly out-of-the-ordinary place to eat? One
that is quite reasonably priced as well? Try Yaya at 2424 Van Ness
(between
Yaya’s chef/owner, Yahya Salih, refers to his cuisine as
"Mesopotamian" rather than Iraqi because he does the research into
older Mesoptamian dishes and describes them clearly in the menu. One
example describes "a dish that was created in 612 BC to celebrate the
Festival of Ninevah." It includes a "cracked wheat and beef
shell stuffed with diced lamb, almonds, allspice, nutmeg, and
cinnamon." On the same entree platter is a rice shell seasoned with
turmeric "stuffed with duck breast, clove, cinnamon, coriander, and pine
nuts." The menu makes for fascinating reading, but more importantly,
the food is delicious.
Appetizers range from Badengan, a marinated
eggplant dish with garlic and fresh herbs, topped with roasted bell pepper and parmesan
cheese ($5.00) to a Barbequed Quail with hummus and salata, a condiment
of salad vegetables mixed with rose water, sumac, and pomegranate concentrate,
for $6.25.
Several salads are offered – from an individual Fatoosh with
mustard viniagrette ($5.50) to a wonderful Mezza for two which includes baba
ghanooge, hudhud ghanooge (turnips blended with date syrup and
tahini), tabouleh, pickled vegetables, and pita bread – all for $7.75.
Entrees include a number of platters in what the chef
refers to as "the nomad style" – an "entree consisting of more
than one dish (usually three) eaten with salata." These
platters ($16-$18) offer a delightful variety of interesting flavors. They
are also ample enough to split. On the evening that we chose to try the
Mezza for two, we also decided (with the help of the friendly waiter) to feast
on just one of the nomad platters. It was an excellent decision.
The nomad platters have different specialities, for example, the
one described above (created in 612 BC) focuses on very old recipes, one
specializes in stuffed dishes, one beef and lamb, one chicken, etc. There
are also smaller entrees ($14-$15.50), like lamb or chicken kababs, a Dolma
dish, vegetarian, and fish.
Yaya offers a limited selection of nicely priced wines, including
some by the glass ($4.50). For those who prefer either a non-alcoholic
drink or something more Mesopotamian, there is an excellent yogurt drink as
well as teas.
Also, don’t miss dessert. They are prepared by the
chef’s wife, and range from a familiar Baklava ($4.50) to a more unfamiliar Kenafa,
which is a shredded phyllo dough stuffed with Middle Eastern fresh cheese,
topped with pistachio and date syrup, and served warm ($5.50). Truly
scrumptuous!
Parking could be labeled moderately difficult, particularly on
the weekends. However, we have found Muni to work well – a pleasant walk
over to