I can’t say I particularly enjoy the colder months of the year, but the best thing about lower temperatures and streets full of amber-coloured leaves is the excuse to hibernate frequently around copious amounts of good food, wine, company and cosy venues. Mecca Bah on Flinders way in Manuka seems just the place to begin my annual hibernation pattern. The roaring fire, subdued lighting, comfy, liberal sprinkling of cushions at every seat and warm, Moroccan colour scheme is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The extensive drinks menu offers a wide variety of wine, beer and spirits, but it was the page long cocktail list of exotic choices which caught my attention and, similarly, the dinner menu had me hooked at ‘Turkish bread.’
Visiting a Middle Eastern inspired restaurant and ignoring the Trio of dips – Hummus, Labna and Baba Gannouj – accompanied by toasted Turkish bread would be nothing short of sacrilegious. All three dips were lusciously thick and carried flavours I wish I were competent at re-creating at home. The thick, yoghurt texture of the Labna was backed up by its cultured tang and fruited, nutty garnish of pooling olive oil and toasted sesame. The Baba Gannouj carried its signature smoky eggplant stereotype brilliantly and was topped with a light dusting of sumac, but the Hummus was one I could have just sat there and eaten with a rather large spoon. A thick, grainy texture screamed authenticity as did the combination of mellow, acidic, nutty and earthy flavours. The toasted Turkish bread is some of the best around, arriving straight from the oven to our plate and brushed generously with a good quality olive oil. Everything is better brushed with olive oil.
The Sweet Potato Felafels served with Tahini sauce were little golden nuggets of fried bliss. A satisfying audible crunch on the exterior and pleasingly fluffy on the inside, the tahini sauce accompaniment was smooth and silky and prevented the blissful bites from becoming a dry mouthful.
The Spicy Lamb Boureks served in a shallow pool of minted yoghurt was a welcome suggestion from wait-staff. The filo pastry triangles were light, flaky and gloriously golden, the lamb filling was lightly spiced, warm and earthy (thanks to the addition of pine nuts) and the minted yoghurt provided the perfect cooling antidote to any residual heat.
From the Grill menu, we were spoilt for choice but eventually came to order the Chargrilled chicken shish, marinated in saffron yoghurt and fennel seeds served with tabbouleh, vegetable couscous & finished with a minted yoghurt dipping sauce. The presentation was absolutely spectacular and completely unexpected. The chicken came out suspended on what must have been a jousting stick in a former life, and could no doubt do warranted damage to anyone contemplating pinching my chicken. Thankfully, no-one tried and I injured no-one. The couscous was fluffy and seasoned to the point of perfection for my taste, and the tabbouleh was bursting with fresh tomato, herbs and slithers of the exotic, crunch-providing red onion. A fattoush salad came out to accompany the main and I loved the clattering sound of toasted bread landing on my plate. The salad was nothing short of spritely and fresh, combining herbs, ripe juicy tomatoes, cucumber crescents and morishly tangy vinaigrette.
From the pizza menu we were treated to a magnificent vegetarian option. Roast zucchini sliced over three cheeses – Haloumi, Mozzarella and Fetta – topped with preserved lemon, fresh mint, rocket and capsicum all cocooned snugly in the traditional boat shaped raft of light, fluffy, pide-style dough. A fantastic sharing option with a dedicated local fan base.
If you’re looking for a cosy meal for two, chic banquet space for the family or just a spot to curl up with your favourite book and glass of wine, Mecca Bah offers a great, intimate space for all of the above with all the hospitality pizzazz Middle Eastern cuisine has become renowned for. I know I’ll be back with my book, perusing the cocktail list and warming my hands to the glow of a fire next time the central heating fails. Which, in all likelihood, is probably going to be tomorrow.
