When we think of Mediterranean place in the city, not many options pop-up. But this new kid on the block Café Mez, that sees names like Chef Megha Kokhli and Ashish Kapur from The Wine Company is surely one of the most promising mezze place that the city can boast of.
Interiors
Blue and white exterior, large bay windows, white tables, comfortable easy chairs and a much soothing interiors, this place is bright and much refreshing. Interconnected with Wine company, the interiors either transport you to Greece or any middle eastern cafes.
Food
As I enter, it’s Chef Megha’s bright smile that welcomes me. After comfortably placing myself next to the window with the winter sun playing hide n seek, Megha says “In the words of Chef Megha “Since the last 1.5 years I was waiting on a dream project based on Indian cuisine to begin, which eventually didn't end up happening thanks to the pandemic. The funny part is that even though my dream was to open a Indian cuisine based restaurant, throughout the lockdown and the last 1.5 years I was continuously talking about how much I love Mezze, Mediterranean food and Mid-Eastern food, and how much I have enjoyed cooking it throughout my career be when I was working at Olive or Lavaash, and even at home. I started talking to family and friends about how after I open the Indian space I would want to open a restaurant based on Mezze. I would keep thinking and talking about how versatile a Mezze spread is and how it instantly adds life to a table. As a chef my style is also extremely rustic, with big platters of food, I avoid doing pre plated food, as for me the joy of cooking is watching people sit together relishing the hearty portions of food while mixing & matching different dishes amidst peals of laughter and non stop conversations. I initially joined as a consultant but over time this project became my baby. This place is all about comfort where one can come and relax with a drink”.
As I flipped through the menu the cold mezze, freshly baked pita, Pide’s refreshing salads and smoothies everything looked so tempting. I felt I could eat everything. I experience started with some Turkish tea. Requesting on small plates Megha made sure a platter of different mezzes along with pita and some salads are served. The platter sees Beiruti Hummus ( chilli and parsley), Gazan Guac (avocado, greek yoghurt and sesame), Muhamarrah (walnuts, pomegranate and almonds). But amongst all the smoked Labneh, with kalaunji (Nigella) seeds was my absolutely favorite. This one gets the smoky flavour from the Dhungar technique. From the salads the Mediterranean Shrimp and white bean was truly phenomenal. Though I was absolutely full but couldn’t have said a no to the Iranian Lamb Koobideh, and the gorgeous Bacon and egg Georgian bread Pide loaded with cheese, and the Lamb dolmas. From the mains the Persian seafood stew that’s saw fish, calamari and prawns was sheer indulgence. The sides of salads and pickles added to the taste and texture to the whole gourmet experience.
I couldn’t have left the table without having tasted something sweet and what better than some Rum Mousse that has been topped with vanilla custard and candied almonds.
Well, I am surely going back for the rest on the menu. Nothing on the menu left me disappointed. And yes the interesting part being this place also sees an exclusive breakfast menu.