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Numidie was a civilisation stretching across the north of Algeria in ancient times. Rather appropriately, given its proximity to Crystal Palace, the unusual mix of southern French and North African food at this small bistro is sparkling. Grilled king prawns in chilli sauce served with a pot of guacamole was palate-tinglingly good, as was galette d'aubergines - more a sandwich of two thick, juicy slices with a layer of tomato and pepper sauce resting on a swirl of pesto. Couscous Kabyle (which takes its name from the chef's ancestral town) was a paean to the genre: meltingly tender lamb on a bed of perfect couscous. Merguez and frites, served with mildly spiced tomato and herb sauce, was equally successful. Superb desserts included a cold soup of pear and red pepper (very refreshing), and a poached pear stuffed with zingy ginger almond paste served with vanilla ice-cream. All this, together with a bottle of excellent grenache from the mostly French list and delightful service, made for an enchanting evening. Lucky locals - and the rest should make the journey. Numidie (awarded red star) |