Jas Jas Jas is a family based delicatessen and restaurant based in Cheadle. Owned and operated by Jilly and Solly Bader, Jas Jas Jas serves delicious Lebanese and Mediterranean food to eat in or take away. Jilly and Solly used to operate a much larger restaurant in Bramhall but sadly this has now closed due to Jilly’s ill health; but what the Cheadle venue lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality, character and value for money.
We had originally popped in here on Saturday afternoon thinking that there was only takeaway food available but on entering we noticed other diners sitting at a couple of small tables near the deli counter. Thinking that was all the tables they had, we enquired when one would be available so we could eat in. Without pause, we were quickly shown up a couple of steps and into a rather small area that looked like somebody’s living room; inside there were two large tables that could seat up to 4 people and three tables for 2 people, it was all very compact and bijou.
Upon being seated we were soon greeted by owner Jilly, who is absolutely barking mad, “you’re going to have to move from that table because obviously [sic]we have a 25 stone man coming in and he won’t get through this small gap.” I am not sure if she was referring to a customer who was on his way in or one of the staff, either way nobody of said girth arrived, perhaps he couldn’t get through the front door? Once seated at a new table, Jilly came back to take our drinks order, “now, what can I get you to drink, we have champagne, wine, beer, cider dandelion and burdo [sic], tea or coffeeeeeee.” When we asked for sparkling water she sounded disgusted, “what is it with water? everybody is drinking bloody water today.” Other diners, looked a little sheepish and embarrassed about the glass of water sat in front of them. At first we were a little taken aback but we soon realised that Jilly was like this with all of the customers, she just likes to have a laugh at her own and other people’s expense, she is definitely not malicious and not to be taken too seriously.
After looking at the menu for a little while, I squeezed myself back down to the deli counter to have a look at the already prepared dishes in the food warmer. Spoilt for choice at the selection on offer, I was informed by Solly that there was a tasting plate of either 3 or 4 meat dishes; not wanting to appear too greedy, I chose three, beef with peppers, lemon chilli chicken and crispy belly pork, served with rice and a side salad. Meanwhile in the dining area my girlfriend was being treated to another stand up routine from Jilly; after a few fun jibes and one liners she ordered a hummous wrap.
The food arrived very quickly and it was absolutely delicious. The wrap was huge and stuffed full of hummous and fresh crisp salad, it was that big that my girlfriend only ate half and had to ask for a doggy bag to take the other half away.
My meat plate was also very generous with equal sized servings of chicken, beef and pork. The chilli chicken was light and tasty and not too spicy. The same cannot be said of the beef with peppers that had a real kick and left a zing on the tongue. However, the pièce de résistance was the pork. As a big fan of crispy belly pork it can often be very fatty and lack any real crunch at many restaurants. Solly has got his pork down to perfection, not too fatty and incredibly crunchy. As good as the other meat dishes were, I would have preferred to have had a full plate of Solly’s belly pork.
I couldn’t recommend Jas Jas Jas enough, the food is of a real high standard, the prices are very reasonable and the staff, although a little kooky are friendly and welcoming. The dining area is very small and not ideal for larger groups; but they will open up on a Sunday for private group bookings, something worth bearing in mind if you are looking for authentic, high quality food in an intimate setting.
The verdict: Jas Jas Jas is simply wonderful.
Review Overview
Food - 8.5
Service - 7.5
Premises - 5
Value - 8
7.3
Food
Summary : Great food at a very reasonable price. Premises are small and tables are limited. Incredibly friendly staff.