By Sehr Sarwar

I literally “followed my nose” this evening from Ladbroke Grove down to Blenheim Crescent where Chef Eric’s “Books for Cooks” is located. Immediately upon entering, I could pick out Dr Lamees from the crowd of people in the cosy bookshop. There were no airs and graces of a prima donna chef at the cooker; Lamees was warm, motherly and her love for Iraq and its cuisine was most infectious.

Once the privileged few golden ticket holders to this evening’s meal were seated and sipping a glass of Chef Eric’s very own “Domaine des Savarines” merlot wine, Lamees was ready to begin. She spoke candidly about her emotional trip back home to Iraq and introduced the inspiration behind the book; to capture in written form the cooking traditions handed down orally through the generations for her children. The colourful 200-paged recipe book was compiled in two years and manages to bring the rich culture of Iraq to the tables of Britain.

The evening had a slight “Come Dine With Me” feel to it as dinner guests were sat at tables with fellow Iraqi cookbook enthusiasts from London. Lamees Ibrahim, with the cooking expertise and assistance from Eric Treuille of “Books for Cooks”, showed us how to bring the flavour and aromas of authentic Iraqi dishes through a sample menu bursting with the true tastes of her homeland. To complement the live cookery demonstrations and delicious courses being served up, there was of course fantastic company from the foodies in attendance. A handful of home sick Iraqis most excited to be served genuine Iraqi food by someone else, rather than being behind the cooker, could easily be spotted too!

Taste buds were tingling in anticipation as we saw Lamees explain how to stuff the kubba and watched Eric at ease in the well-stocked kitchen at the back adding finishing touches and dishing out piping hot plates. There was a definite air of Arab hospitality to the event as there was never a moment where your plate wasn’t being heaped with another succulent serving or your glass topped up! I can safely say that each dinner guest must have left Blenheim Crescent satisfied by the flavoursome dishes, thoroughly inspired by Lamees’ words and obviously wondering when they were going to host their very own Iraqi dinner parties.

Sample Menu

Shourbat adas – Red lentil soup with chickpeas (as well as an additional white bean soup from the generous Chef Eric).
Kubbat hamidh – Kubba in turnip and tomato sauce.
Fasanjoon – Chicken in pomegranate and walnut sauce.
Kaik el-tamur – Date and walnut cake
Halawat dibis – Bread in date syrup

The Iraqi Cookbook retails at £25 and can be purchased from Books for Cooks.