Rye’s first and only Middle-Eastern pop-up restaurant, Zephyr, is back on Saturday April 1, this time at White Vine House on the High Street. Zoe Keen, the founder of Zephyr, works in the City of London by day and is an underground chef cooking up Middle-Eastern food by night. Her husband Graham has the task of chief taster.
Zephyr embarked on its maiden pop-up voyage in February 2017 at The Old Grain Store in Kings Cross thanks to the help of owners Martine and Anthony. “The evening was a great success,” Graham reflects “and the venue was perfect – warm, friendly and quirky”.
The mission is simply to bring new and exciting flavours to the plates of the people of East Sussex and Kent. “There’s a real excitement around Middle-Eastern food at the moment” says Zoe. “People know Greek and Turkish food, however, many aren’t as familiar with the incredibly varied and delicate flavours of Africa and Persia. It’s something a bit different and we intend to treat Rye’s tastebuds”. The menu on Saturday April 1 is bringing back some favourites: Patlican (lamb and aubergine stew), tahini and halva chocolate brownies and the delightful strawberry and rose Middle Eton mess are all making a return. There will also be some new flavours, including the North African spiced aubergine Chermoula with bulgar wheat.
To find out more about this exciting new venture, or if you have an interesting venue and would like to know how you could host one of Zephyr’s next events, please go to www.zephyrpopup.co.uk.
Details: Saturday April 1, 2017, at White Vine House, 24 High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JF. Five-course Middle-Eastern menu (including complimentary glass of fizz) for £35 per person. Book now by calling White Vine House on 01797 224748 or email info@zephyrpopup.co.uk or info@whitevinehouse.co.uk.
Source: Zoe Keen
Photos: Zoe Keen