A Mediterranean lounge in Juhu named after one of the new seven wonders, says Mediterranean and European food can go beyond pasta and kebabs. The surprise? it's all-vegetarian
A Mediterranean lounge in Juhu named after one of the new seven wonders, says Mediterranean and European food can go beyond pasta and kebabs. The surprise? it's all-vegetarian
"A meal without alcohol is like a day without sunshine; except that on a day without sunshine you can still get drunk."
Funnies like these pepper the menu at all-day resto-lounge Petra, the latest in the Juhu block. Like the description for a Landmine shot u2013 a few of these and you won't be able to feel your legs.
Japanese Kick (Rs 199) is a real kicker. The vodka, wasabi paste and sour mix combination comes into effect half a minute after the first sip. So, gulping it down is not recommended. What you could gulp down though, are the mocktails (priced at a reasonable Rs 90). Hazel High (orange high, pineapple juice and Hazelnut syrup) topped our list followed by the mildly spicy Cocurry (coconut water, curry leaves, coco syrup topped with soda).
Named after one of the new seven wonders of the world, a site in Jordan renowned for its rock-cut architecture, the lounge proves that there is more to European and Mediterranean cuisine than kebabs and pastas. For one, the food is all-vegetarian, a thought that didn't strike us until it was pointed out at the end of our meal.
Mediterranean cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world; more so when it's vegetarian. The fare comprised Kolokithi (a Greek specialty of crispy zucchini, squash and eggplant chips served with garlic-yoghurt dip) and cold mezzes like Labneh Bil Nana (creamy yoghurt flavoured with mint and olive oil). Hummus Beiruty
(Rs 125) gave a twist to the usual recipe with onions, tomatoes and parsley.
Skinny pizza lovers will like the Zatar-style pizza; an Arabic pizza with a Khoubz base, Mediterranean herbs and absolutely no cheese or toppings. The Shanklesh brings the chef out of the kitchen, literally. To mix the colourful goat cheese salad topped with onions, tomatoes and parsley, chef Jagat himself came over to our table. "All theTurkish and Mediterranean herbs are imported," owner Harsh Parekh told us.
Open all day, Petra is a restaurant by day there's wi-fi for telecommuters and lounge by night. This explained the flexible du00e9cor: low-seating, teakwood furniture and an island bar.
At: Tian, 1st Floor, above Cafu00e9 Coffee Day, Gulmohar Road, Juhu. Call: 9870126666.
