Solly's Exclusive

Angella

Authentic Ethnic Experience 10th December 2007

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We used to eat upstairs where the clientele of contented and well-fed customers showed that the heavy filling food like bubba* used to make is the most important thing here.

At Jewish restaurants the portions are huge and everybody eats as if they're about to catch a plane. Upstairs, when we stopped playing Jewish ping-pong (swapping food and finishing other people's leftovers), we loved the amusing mural.

Alas the mural and the upstairs have gone. The downstairs restaurant has pleasing decor of arches and is clean.

They don't take credit cards and the menu discouragingly says you cannot order only the hors d'oevres.

I had chicken soup. Then salt beef on rye which came up with the traditional pickled cucumber, coleslaw and sauerkraut - must check the spelling. I'd have preferred salad and latkes. My favourite Jewish style place is still B & K in Edgware because you can all order different things and swap about and eat well at very reasonable prices.

Followed by strudel - flat like a tart, very pleasant, with orange sorbet. Then Turkish coffee. No milk of course because it was all kosher and you can't eat milk with meat. When asked for milk substitute they produced a milk powder. I'd have preferred soy milk or imitation creamer but I suppose some people would prefer it not to look as if you are serving or using milk in a meat restaurant.

The bill came to more than £50 for two people for lunch. I used to love Solly's and left feeling a bit sad. I feel that though the waitress tried hard and wished me 'enjoy' there must be something they can do to attract more custom. The owner's wife stopped me from taking photos so you can't see any.

*Bubba - Jewish granny