Say haloumi to a Lebanese

Le Mignon is unrivalled for the cuisine of Lebanon, writes Tatiana Von Saxe

LE Mignon started with six tables and expanded to the corner of Delancey Street and Arlington Road in Camden Town.
This small neighbourhood restaurant is well patronised by the locals and although their name is French – inherited, I think, from the restaurant they took over – their cuisine is Lebanese.
Luckily for me I went for the first time with my business partner who had lived in Lebanon and through him I learned what to order. I will list my favourite dishes below as the combination of the different flavours is what really makes this cuisine very enjoyable.
Hence it is very popular for parties of three or more as one can order a larger variety of their tasty dishes.
Whilst the names may be similar to those used in Greek restaurants the ingredients are subtly different.
To start: Hummus (chickpea puree, sesame paste, lemon juice and olive oil) £3.50; Moutabal (Grilled Aubergines with Sesame Paste, Lemon Juice and Olive Oil) £4.50; Tabouleh (traditional Lebanese salad – parsley, tomatoes, onions, mint, crushed wheat, lemon juice and olive oil) £4.50; Foul Moukala – delicious despite the name (green broad beans cooked in olive oil, fresh coriander and garlic) £4.50; Falafel (deep fried balls of ground split fava beans mixed with special spices) £4.50; Cucumber Yoghurt Salad (served with crushed garlic and mint) £3.50; Foujadara (traditional vegetarian Lebanese lentils and rice topped with fried onions) £4.25; Jibni Haloumi (grilled haloumi cheese) £4. Dip a piece of hot toasted Lebanese pitta bread and help yourself directly from the different dishes. I prefer use a fresh lettuce leaf to dip instead. I find it much less filling and equally good to appreciate the different tastes. Then all you need is Shish Taouk (cubes of chicken breast marinated and grilled on charcoal, £9.95) and perhaps the King Prawns (grilled or fried with fresh coriander leaves, lemon juice and garlic).
For larger parties you can add their Lahmeh Mishwi Bilfoter (cubes of tender lamb and mushrooms marinated and grilled on charcoal, £9.95).
I prefer rose wine for this type of food (Kefraya 2000 at £ 16.95) or a red Massaya classic at £ 14.75.
The Lebanese House wine by the glass is £3 for 175 ml and £2.50 for 125 ml. – the bottle of 75 cl. is £11.75.
The authentic Almaza Lebanese beer is £2.25 and they also have Heineken or Budweiser if you prefer.
For the more adventurous eater you can try Lamb’s Kidneys, Liver or Testicles fried with fresh lemon juice £5.50 or Quails grilled on charcoal £9.50.
Le Mignon include a 12.5 per cent service charge and they close the credit card bill.
A lovely place to go when you do not want to eat at home or when you want to have a jolly good fun party with friends.

LE MIGNON
98 Arlington Road, Camden Town, NW1
Phone 020 7387 0600
Fax 020 7387 1400
Open 7 days a week
Lunch: Noon – 3pm
Dinner: 6 pm – 11.30pm