Review: Shalom Ya'll

Written by Andrew Chumbley

Photos by Emily Joan Greene

The mezze spread at Shalom Ya’ll

Every single time I think I could go without eating meat I am reminded by some lamb that I’m sorely mistaken. That may sound like a common occurrence in my life, but in reality it was an isolated incident last week at the mercy of some lamb shanks and carnitas at Shalom Y’all in SE Portland. 

Amidst the rubble of a pretty insane moment of reckoning across Portland dining that has truly held no prisoners, Shalom Y’all has managed to push through to the other side, victorious over a now dissolved restaurant group and ownership and emerged part of something smaller, more deliberate and inclusive, called “Sesame Collective.” The goal is as simple and obvious as it gets - value all and highlight the tremendous talent that our local restaurants facilitate. 

Spearheaded by a true kitchen tour de force by the name of Lynsdey Caldwell who has led this kitchen since day 1, Shalom Y’all boasts an exceptionally well executed Israeli influenced menu comprised of the crispy greens and fresh ground spices you would expect given the array of local farms at our reach, warm to the touch flatbread served with creamy hummus, and some of the best meat centric dishes I’ve had in town.

The lamb shanks I mentioned when I got a little too personal boast so much flavor and crunch that I sincerely don’t know how to eloquently describe it. From the scratch vinaigrette they rest in to the imported Greek oregano to the crunchy sea salt finish, its spectacular - and the only thing better is they don’t let it die there. From the scraps of the shanks come the crispy carnitas, throw some on a piece of flatbread with a dollop of hummus and you’ve got some crafty DIY taco magic to hold you over while you wait for the shanks to come out.

Grab a picnic table at the recently reopened og SE Taylor location (A+ in Covid protocol... if we’re judging) and opt for all the lamb and mezze your heart desires washed down with a slushee laden in mezcal or one of the mega bottles of Topo Chico to make your sober Saturday dreams come true. 

The SE Taylor location is offering outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout from 12-8 Sun-Thur and 12-9 Fri/Sat. SW downtown is offering delivery and takeout daily 11-7.

Lamb Shanks

Our favorite item on the menu. So much flavor, from the scratch vinaigrette they rest in to the imported Greek oregano to the crunchy sea salt finish, its spectacular.

Lamb Carnitas

From the scraps of the shanks come the crispy carnitas, throw some on a piece of flatbread with a dollop of hummus and you’ve got some crafty DIY taco magic.

Green Beans

Green beans with merguez sausage, green harissa, onion and urfa. A flavor bomb with veggies, say no more.