It was my first full day off for the Christmas Holidays, not sure how to kick start this long stretch of time in front of me I was happy to hear that Danny’s family were going on a day trip to Liverpool to do some Christmas shopping. We had a look online for inspiratio on where to grab some lunch and we came across Maray, wanting to try something a bit different and reading all the positive reviews my sister-in-law booked a table. I’m so glad we picked this place out, the food was spectacular and deserves its place in the 2018 Good Food Guide.
Lunch at Maray Liverpool
We arrived at 12:00 on the dot, the first ones to arrive. We picked a table in the window and started eyeing up the menu. Denise and I decided to go for the lunch deal which included 3 small plates from the menu for £12.50, meaning we’d get to try 6 in total and covering pretty much all the veggie options.
We also decided to go for a bottle of the 2014 Carla Chiaro Merlo.
Food at Maray Liverpool
The dishes arrive when they’re ready, similar to how it would work in a tapas restaurant. First to arrive was the F.H.T – falafel, hummus, tabbouleh. This ended up being our favourite dish and possibly the best falafel I have ever tasted. If you go I would definitely recommend going for this. It comes with 3 portions of falafel (There’s only 2 in the picture because Danny’s mum had one before I could take a piccy 😀)
Next to arrive was the Cauliflower, almonds, pomegranate, tahini, yoghurt, harissa and herbs. When looking up Maray online this is the dish that everyone was raving about so I was really looking forward to giving it a go. It certainly didn’t disappoint. The pomegranate works wonderfully to contrast with the creamy flavours of the cauliflower, tahini and the yoghurt.
Up next is the Hummus and flatbread with pomegranates and smoked paprika. You can never have too much hummus! Again, the sharp pop of the pomegranate works beautifully with the rich and creamy hummus.
Out came the sweet potato wedges, date molasses, and tahini. They’re not your average sweet potato wedges, more like a slice cooked so that it melts in your mouth and it mixes delightfully with the tahini and rich date molasses. The spring onions and chillies pack a punch and break up the dish. I loved this dish and would put it up there with the Falafel.
When ordering the Aubergine dish the waitress told us that it would arrive at room temperature and that it’s seen as a bit of an acquired taste. The first bite was certainly unusual and it’s a dish that gets you thinking. We did like it but I think next time I’d swap it for the Sprouts, cep tahini cherry, pistachio plate.
I tried some of my sister-in-law’s sprouts and I must say, for a dish based on the unpopular Christmas dinner accompaniment it was delicious. Perfectly firm in the middle with a delightful crispy outer layer possibly due to it being fried or crisped up under the grill. Not normally a dish I would pick but I would next time I go to Maray.
The final dish to arrive was the Fattoush salad, radish, tomatoes, cucumber, crisp flatbread and feta. By this point we were pretty full! We thought 3 small plates each would leave us feeling satisfied, if not a little hungry but the portions of these dishes are spot on and don’t leave you feeling like you’ve missed out.
We all enjoyed the food at Maray and would highly recommend a visit if you’re find yourself on Bold Street. I would suggest booking a table though, within half an hour the whole place was packed and people were getting turned away at the door.
Can’t wait to vist Maray again!
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