Is it a Byzantium? Is it an Istanbul? No, it’s a Constantinople. For more than two millenia Ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman rulers have laid claim to a dramatic area of real estate straddling the divide of the great continents of Asia & Europe.

But this post has got nothing to do with that. This Constantinople is an altogether younger affair… a piece of culinary real estate straddling a length of pavement in Brighton.

The spoils of dramatic conquest are however no less celebrated. Here, the slaying of animals, fish and vegetables, are presented in exquisite combinations. With a range of international options for toasting the sacrificial offerings, the Turkish choices of Efes (beer) and Sevelin Kalecik Karasi (wine) are recommended, for the sake of authenticity.

As for dining, tonight I choose to decimate the lamb population. A starter of Arnavut Cigeri presents an Albanian dish of fried lambs liver accompanied by potato, green pepper, and red onions.

As plenty of the aforementioned sacrificial offering remains, I choose a main dish of Buryan Kebap… a bonelees lamb shank with Syriac sauce.

I can only say, Larry, as many a lamb has been known to be named, didn’t die in vain. Such a sacrifice will remain firmly emblazoned on the memory… at least until the next memorable meal.

Until we speak again, Contantinople offers a gracious welcome to all.

A pavement in Brighton will suffice, unless you have a hankering for turf that claims territory in both east & west (continents that is, not Sussex).