A few days back someone said I romance food. I say there is nothing more romantic than a lovely meal shared with someone you love and can laugh with. Besides what can you expect from someone who loves food and has grown on reading a M&B a day? Why am I waxing eloquent on romance? Isn’t it natural when the subject in question is a place called Aqaba? Just hearing the word, don’t you get instantly transported to the mysterious land of Lawrence of Arabia, the land of Moorish warriors, the land of hidden treasures and undefinable pleasures, the deep blue seas, the delightful cuisine and haunting melodious music!
I
walked into the large, spacious, high ceilinged hall with tables placed discreetly far from each other, an atmosphere of relaxed efficiency all around, minimal tasteful décor with large faux cherry blossom trees strategically placed so as not to disturb but to draw your vision to the well-manicured verdant lawns beyond. My anticipation grew like the M&B heroine on her first assignment on arriving at the mansion. We called for our drinks; one a suggestion by the server – Berry Evocative and one of our own choice the Melon Ball. The Berry evocative a strawberries, lime and rum concoction was too tart for my taste. The Melon ball however was beautifully balanced and fresh.
But all was forgotten when the Mezze platter arrived; Hummus, Taboulleh (salad made from parsley, balgur, tomato, onions), Muhammara (minced roasted bell pepper, garlic, oil, walnuts), Labneh (hung yogurt with zatar and sumac), Garlic cream, Tzatziki (cucumber, garlic, yogurt), Hummus Ghunam (roasted lamb pieces with hummus), Lamb Kibbeh (lamb mince with pinenuts, garlic, mint), Shish Taouk (roasted chicken with Arabic spices) served with freshly made pita bread. Each element was tasteful and though with diverse flavours just amalgamated into one whole. I swear had my partner not reminded of the rest of the food, I would have probably eaten the whole platter.
The next was the Kebab platter which came with Chicken Gyro, Lamb gyro, Rawas Kebab, Moroccan prawns, Lamb Seekh Kebab, BatataHarra; Lebanese spicy potatoes topped with cheese and grilled. While one could not fault with any of the kebabs, the Seekh were by far the best I have had in a restaurant. The prawns were succulent and well-seasoned without taking away from the tender flavours, however the rawas would have probably done with a bit more marinade and seasoning. For the mains we called for the Lamb Tagine which came was spicy rich gravy with well-cooked succulent morsels of lamb and chickpeas and a small mound of rich perfectly cooked couscous. Each bite was like a burst of flavor and I felt imaging myself in an Arab tent savouring a dish so ancient.
I must admit I sinned of gluttony! In spite of being replete and satiated I couldn’t help going for their specialties: the traditional baklava and the couscous baklava served with plain vanilla icecream. The couscous one was quite a surprise initially but it grew on you until you just couldn’t stop yourself!
I may now be old and life’s vagaries have taught me that not all is happily ever after. I have learnt that Arabs on steeds are usually in movies and gladiators are in circuses and yet .. for that afternoon somewhere I suspect I lived a Grecian-Turkish dream again…
Ratings out of 5
Food: 3.5 | Ambiance: 3.5 | Service: 3.5 | Overall: 3.5
Meal for Two without Alcohol: Rs. 3000 Approximately plus taxes| Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes|
Timing: 12 noon to 3 pm and 7 pm to 12 mid-night | Wheelchair access : Yes
Address: Club House, Level P5, Peninsula Business Park, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai | Telephone : 022 61512222
Disclaimer : This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgment and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review; however readers may exercise their own discretion.
