Chapel Hill - Three Good Meals

Arriving late in the evening in Chapel Hill, we were exhausted, and looking for parking in an entertainment zone under construction proved a drain on our limited energies. So we picked Talullah's based on location, without the knowledge that we were choosing the favorite restaurant of our friends and colleagues who live in Chapel Hill. The place was all but empty at the late hour, but we were greeted warmly and were not rushed into ordering as often happens when one arrives near kitchen-closing time. A gratis amuse of Turkish bread and tomato-olive oil sauce with garlic arrived immediately to take the edge off our hunger.


Turkish bread at Talullah's Chapel Hill by Josephine2004, on Flickr

We took some time in ordering because, while I am no expert on Turkish cuisine, I do remember some amazing meals from a long trip to Turkey. Talullah's has one of the most complete Turkish menus I've seen in the US. An assortment of hot and cold mezzes, pide & lahmacun were interesting to consider. Grilled octopus arrived perfectly grilled, slightly charred, yet moist and tender atop arugula and spinach dressed in a balanced, not cloying pomegranate vinaigrette.


Octopus Salad at Talullah's by Josephine2004, on Flickr

Lamby lahmacun followed, and, with the octopus would have made a meal by itself, had we known how generous the servings would be.


Lahmacun at Talullah's by Josephine2004, on Flickr

Fortunately, we were hungry. The grilled sea bream was beyond moist, kissed by the grill with smoke, a fish of a quality rarely experienced these days. Prepared by a skilled cook, this dish was unquestionably the best fish I had in years, surpassing even walleye I pulled from the water myself. I was delighted that the waiter had recommended it to me.


Sea Bream at Talullah's by Josephine2004, on Flickr

Let's take a closer look:


Close up- Sea Bream by Josephine2004, on Flickr

My husband had the steak special, which was tender, flavorful, cooked as ordered, and served on top of a starch that I cannot remember just now- perhaps a pulse- that was very interestingly spiced.


Steak Special at Talullah's by Josephine2004, on Flickr

We retired satisfied and fortified for a busy wedding weekend and were surprised to have sufficient appetite rebound to consider Mama Dip's for lunch the next day.


Mama Dip's by Josephine2004, on Flickr

I have been a fan of Mama Dip's cookbook (which, to her credit is her publisher's biggest seller), but I had never been to Chapel Hill to eat at her restaurant. We enjoyed the shady porch while considering what to order- another big decision.


Fried Green Tomatoes @ Mama Dip's by Josephine2004, on Flickr

A crispy order of fried green tomatoes took the edge off. I've always made these by dipping them in egg and milk and then cornmeal. This version seemed to be made with a batter that held together more, and I liked it.


Fried Green Tomatoes-2 by Josephine2004, on Flickr

I texted tatterdemalion to ask for advice. Alas, he had changed his number. So, I was forced to choose on my own. No matter, the quality of everything we ordered was such that I am pretty certain the everything on the menu at Mama Dip's is equally good.

I chose the Chicken and Rolled Dumplings. Can you believe that I have never had chicken and dumplings? It's a sad admission, and sadder still that people no longer take the time to make this homey dish.


Chicken & Dumplings- Mama Dip by Josephine2004, on Flickr

Although it looks bland, it was everything I could have hoped for, exceeding my highest expectations in taste, texture, freshness and overall goodness. They must have started with one excellent chicken, cooked it just enough, not too much, and remembered to leave out any shortcuts like canned broth.
I think I will try the rolled dumplings for myself at home one of these days.

My husband had a combination BBQ plate and fried chicken. What I tasted of the combo was very good - clearly they were working with a fresh batch of oil (or lard?) in the fryer.


Combo Plate by Josephine2004, on Flickr

I was concentrating on some dynamite sides: limas, okra and tomatoes, and greens. What made them good? Probably freshness that can only come from careful sourcing. These vegetables were right off the farm and handled carefully in the kitchen. Neither crisp nor mushy, they all had the optimum texture. Neither deprived of fat and salt, nor drenched in them, these were some darn near perfect bites that made me love Mama Dip's:


Lima Beans by Josephine2004, on Flickr


Okra & Tomatoes by Josephine2004, on Flickr


Greens by Josephine2004, on Flickr

The following day (a Saturday) we stopped in at Don Jose Tienda Mexicana. I took advantage of the weekend pozole, which was good, but not great, lacking in complexity, but not spice.


Pozole @ Don Jose by Josephine2004, on Flickr

Ray was quite pleased with his tacos, however; carne asada, al pastor, and barbacoa:


Tacos @ Don Jose by Josephine2004, on Flickr

It is located in Carrboro across the three-way intersection from Jessee's Coffee Roasters and Cafe. Here is the building to help visitors find it at the busy intersection:


Don Jose Tienda Chapel Hill by Josephine2004, on Flickr


Talullah's
456 West Franklin St.
Chapel Hill, NC
(919) 933-1177
http://www.talullahs.com
Bar Open until 2AM Friday and Saturday

Mama Dip's
Traditional Country Cooking
408 West Rosemary Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-5837
http://www.mamadips.com

Don Jose Tienda Mexicana
708 W Rosemary St
Carrboro, NC 27510
(919) 969-8568

Josephine, thanks for the wonderful recap which brings to mind many fond memories of living in Chapel Hill. Talullas indeed has many Turkish offerings, with usually sensible American accents, and mostly well-executed across the board, from my experiences several years ago. I seem to recall wishing for more or better braised lamb kinda dishes, but looking at that sea bream would make me forget about that in a second. Olfactory memory is really something, looking at that bread pic.

I'm glad you made out well at Mama Dips and, had you been able to reach me (actually I think was in Raleigh at the time!), I might've recommended you drive a coupla dozen miles elsewhere. Both Crook's Corner and Mama Dip's never did much for me. If you can't feel the gravy in your bones, there's something not right about it. Or maybe it is I who lacks soul. But just based on those pics I can tell something has improved, and my friends tell me that the entire area has vastly improved when it comes to this kinda country cookin. The bar has been raised.

Glad to see Don Jose is still kickin, too.

And now I want a biscuit.