On Friday night Jalika Gooding (née Mustapha) hosted multiple guests at Aberdeen Ferry Road for her highly anticipated monthly event ‘Jalika’s Pop Up Kitchen’. This was the third of a series she started at the beginning of the year and my first one I was attending. I had been looking forward to it as I had heard and seen the pictures from the last two events. Jalika who is an ophthalmologist by day, says she has always had a passion for cooking. She didn’t have to tell me this as she proudly uses the hashtag #MendeGyalSabiCook across her socials when promoting the once a month event.
As you arrive at the entrance, your name will be crossed off the list if you have paid in advance as it is suggested on the advertisement flyer. This is to know the number of heads to cook for I assume, however I did see a few people pay at the entrance. Once the hosts had verified us off the list, we were given a complimentary cup of bissap/sorrel alongside three pastel coloured numbered cards of 1,2 and 3 before gaining access to the majestically lit outdoor space. The compound was elegantly lit with garden paper lantern lights scattered above and live music by Solomon and singer Daniel Bangura, creating a soiree ambiance.
When you think of a 3-course meal traditionally, they
usually come one after another. This was a 3-course
meal with like no other. It was at your own pace. Everybody arrived at different
times. Whilst the doors opened at 7pm, guests arrived throughout the evening. Regardless of the time you arrived, you were still acknowledged by the
waiters who were ready at all times to take your first number.
The mains were: (listed below)
1.
Morocan-Style Vegatable Tagine with Herby
Couscous
2.
Whole Grilled Fish with Hibiscus & Cream Sauce
3.
Gourmet Onion Ring Burger with Hibiscus Mayo
Sauce
If you had not guessed the theme of the night was the Hibiscus flower found in many West African countries which has vitamin C content and known for its distinct colour and taste. I wanted number 2, but I had been eating fish all week and thought let me try something new. I chose number 3, The Gourmet Onion Ring Burger which was really nicely, it was probably my first time eating a burger without a side, but I didn’t need it as I was full after taking a couple of bites of the burger which was well seasoned and stuffed with onion rings, as promised. The burger was slightly cold but the seasoning was undeniable. I took my dessert home in a takeaway, as I was full from what had already been served alongside the music and plenty of conversation. I chose number 2. Which was ‘Season Fruit Salad with Honey & Hibiscus Glaze, however I saw many people opted in for the cakes. In hindsight I wish I chose number 1. Moist Tangy Hibiscus Cake with Soft Buttercream Icing, reading it back has made me realise how safe ‘boring’ my options were. The fruit Salad was tasty, overloaded with watermelon, you can’t go wrong with fruit. The other popular dessert was the final option, number 3. Vanilla Cupcakes with Pureed Mango Filling and Meringue Icing.
Overall the evening was a great opportunity to socialise and
meet new people whilst trying Mrs Gooding’s creative cuisine creations. I
wonder what the next theme will be! I hope this gives a clear idea of what to
expect at Jalika’s pop up kitchen. If you cannot wait until the next pop up
kitchen next month, you will be glad to know that Jalika’s pop up will be at
the Ma dengn Taste of Salone
Festival on the 28th April in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Details:
3 course meal: 165,000 Le
Venue: Aberdeen Ferry Road
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/jalikas_kitchen/
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| Jalika's Pop Up Kitchen on Aberdeen Ferry Road. Photo by Yasmin TELLS
All photos by Yasmin Metz-Johnson of Yasmin TELLS
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