roguish ventures: Jimmy’s Falafels
roguish ventures is about doing something different. It’s about finding excellence in the smallest detail.
In particular, finding the right excellence for the right moment.
Those who know me know that roguish ventures has been in the works for a very long time.
It just never seemed to fit in with my life.
But now it does, and I am proud to bring this edition of roguish ventures to you.
This week, my journey takes me to Jimmy’s Falafels
Jimmy’s Falafels
Some of the places I visit are done so out of a concerted effort.
I see the place, I decide to visit, I book it in, and I go and enjoy it.
It’s very methodical.
Other times, my visits are not that thought out. And yet, it is those unexpected visits that turn out to be the most unexpected delights. And that last phrase perfectly sums up my experience with Jimmy’s Falafels.
It was, and continues to be an unexpected delight.
Self-described as a ‘little piece of the middle-east’, Jimmy’s is located directly in front of Wynyard station on George street. From the outside, it looks like an up-market doner kebab shop. In my experience, doner kebabs are not an upmarket food. When have you ever felt classy eating a kebab? It’s not classy when you eat it at a regular hour, and it certainly is not a classy affair when you get one at 3 am. And as satisfying as a 3am kebab can be for any drunkard, your bowels certainly are not satisfied for days to come afterwards. Your bathroom (or whoever’s bathroom that you convince to take you home after a night like that) is not going to appreciate what amounts to fried grease.
Thankfully, Jimmy’s is not like that.
In fact, Jimmy’s doesn’t sell doner kebabs.
Jimmy’s focus is Falafels, and this makes all the difference.
Stepping across the threshold, you are welcomed by the delightful smokiness of the open kitchen, followed by a series of classic diner booths. It’s also a Merivale venue. Does this make it overpriced? A little bit. But is it a fun time? Absolutely. Whether it’s the ambiance, the staff or the DJ, you are bound to have a good time here.
That said, this is not a place to sit down to discuss the Maillard Reaction and its impact on cooking times. It’s not quiet. It’s loud and it’s raucous. And I love it for that. Its energy doesn’t just bubble under the surface. It sizzles and pops and adds flavour to every night spent there.
Is this 2020 or 1970?
I could talk more about the food. There is Mezze and Wraps. They are all quite good. You are not going to be disappointed with the falafel. The Turkish Coffee is a delight, and the portions of Baklava are substantial. But, you probably haven’t chosen Jimmy’s because of the culinary options. You have probably chosen it for the same reason I have. Because it was there.
In a way that’s what makes it great. It’s not something that you will trek across the city for. It’s not something that requires a reservation, or fifteen courses to experience. But in that drunken moment, when you are standing outside the Ivy wondering “Where the fuck can I get a kebab”, you don’t need to sweat. Look for that warm glow of Jimmy’s and step across the threshold. You won’t regret it that night, and you won’t regret it the following morning either.
