Contributed by Umaima Abdulally

I am always on the lookout for authentic joints (as compared to the multi cuisine restaurants who claim to have mastered world cuisines) and Fez seemed to promise just that – original Mediterranean food, given its Chef has worked with a cruise liner where he learnt the intricacies of Mediterranean cuisine.

Sunday was the day and we chose to have lunch at Fez. It’s easily found – right beside Side Wok. I managed to find it even thought it was my first time in Chanakyapuri. On entering I asked for my table. I had booked one as Sunday is one day when virtually everyone eats out.  I don’t know why, but the waiter suggested I might have booked it at Side Wok, without even checking the reservation book (or register, whatever!). My frosty look was signal enough for him to go and promptly check if there was a indeed reservation under the given name. Yes there was and we were promptly seated. In retrospect, the reservation really wasn’t required as the restaurant was empty! Yes you read it right, empty! A group of foreigners was making an exit just as we were entering and I thought maybe I should have read some more reviews before coming here.

Anyway we chose to sit at the ground level instead of the upper deck. The décor was tastefully done with dim lights, candle corners and antique lamps in all sizes hanging from the ceiling. The staff were dressed in Moroccan (not too sure if it was Moroccan) style outfits that added to the entire feel. However, the huge screen put up on the wall ruined the rhythm of the interiors. Why does every restaurant have a screen which plays nothing but cricket? Thankfully, this screen was tuned to Travel & Living. At one point during the meal I realized I was staring more at the TV than looking into the husband’s eyes (sorry dear).

The menu was presented and as always I had to decide what to order for both of us. My husband’s not a foodie… he’s simple and happy with his desi khana, but he always accompanies me to each and every one of my culinary adventures. I had browsed the menu online previously, and knew what was in store. The menu was well designed with all the Mediterranean regions represented, incorporating a dish or two from all of them. African food however dominated the list.

I ordered a mocktail (don’t remember the name) that had date syrup and pomegranate. It was just about okay as all I could taste was the pomegranate juice. Otherwise it was beautifully served and at the right temperature. Next we ordered the Shish Taouk – chicken kebabs by any other name. The portion size was fairly large and it was served with two dips – one garlic flavoured and I couldn’t figure out what the other was. I didn’t like it much in any case. The Kebabs were nice and succulent.

For the main course we ordered Tas Kebap, a braised mutton dish for the hubby, which had a huge serving size – a total Value For Money dish. I picked Grilled Halloumi for myself. Halloumi apparently is the staple cheese of Cyprus. Never tried it before but the texture was very much like that of paneer and the cheese was high on salt as if it had been dipped in a brine solution before being served. The cheese was coated with a flavourful tomato sauce. Lavash, Hummus, and pickled veggies were served complimentary. The Hummus seemed just perfect.

Finished off with Baklava. We also ordered the  Aubergine sweet just for curiosity’s sake. Both desserts were served with ice-cream and definitely worth a try.

To sum it off Fez is an experience which is a mélange of the food, the people who serve it and a well put-together ambiance. A must try for anyone who wants to treat their palate to well presented, flavourful yet lightly spiced food. The portion sizes make Fez a complete Value for Money eatery.

Tip: Don’t bother ordering Hummus, it’s served complimentary in any case.

Meal for two: Rs 2000 | Alcohol: Yes | Home Delivery & Takeaway: Unsure | Credit Card: Yes | Rating: 4/5

- Umaima

This review expresses the author’s personal views and does not represent the opinion of Chef at Large.