Mechoui (Folkingestraat)
In attendance: E, J, G, L & R
Month: September
A North African restaurant by the name of Mechoui was the location of the second ever Restaurant Club outing. This was L's restaurant of choice after having cycled past it on several occasions, wondering what exactly North African food entailed. My keyboard is in particular danger when writing this review as all reminiscing of the food inevitably leads to drooling. However, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me set the scene...
A medium sized, poorly lit restaurant that is predominantly empty. Having first tried out the comfy, cushioned seats by the window, we take our place by a sensible table with sensible chairs. L arrives far too early and enjoys a much needed coffee. Next to enter is J, who comes straight from the train station, with back pack. Soon after, E and G join, as does Restaurant Club virgin, R. Choices are made fast from the menu. E, G and L all go for a tajine while R chooses for the fish and J goes for a couscous dish. J was fully informed by the rest of the club that he is likely to regret not going for the tajine. However, J is adamant that the couscous is the correct choice. (Now taking bets on outcome...)
We enjoyed a starter of olives, breads and spreads. The way we attacked the Mezze, it was clear that we had all brought our appetites. If you're in a rush or with particularly bad company where, ideally, conversation is avoided, then Mechoui is not for you. Luckily this was not at all the case for us. Either way, the food takes time. But this is ok. When you first lay eyes on your tajine and the waiter takes the lid off, all sense of time is lost. You're on a magical ride where you're diving head-first into a delicious cloud of sweet spices. Your nose is literally orgasming while your mouth becomes awash with saliva that is begging you to take a bite and not wait patiently till everyone has their food.
Main courses:
L - Lamb tajine with "southern fruits" (apricots, date, etc.) in a honey sauce
E - Lamb tajine with fresh vegetables spiced with Ras el'hanout (Moroccan blend of spices) and coriander
G - A tajine with fresh vegetables
J - Beef skewers marinaded in a rosemary sauce with lots of couscous
R - Cod and garlic dish
I think I can speak for both lamb tajine eaters that it was the ultimate taste sensation. The lamb fell from the bone and was tender and juicy. I'm afraid that I was so smitten with my dish that I was little aware of how other people were enjoying their food. The odd jealous looks from J shot my way barely entered my perception. In short, it was delicious. The restaurant was completely empty at this point and, from the inappropriate sounds that were coming from those with tajines, probably made sure that no more customers would dare enter.
J got lucky and was able to enjoy some of R's leftover cod.
With bellies full, and satisfied smiles on our faces, the meal was finished with coffee and fresh mint tea. E and G opted for some sweet delights (some bonbons, etc.) to go with their coffee.
J made us all happy by eating the coffee residuals at the bottom of someone's Arabic coffee. He reports that this was a lot worse that eating the large dollop of wasabi at the first restaurant. Finding obscure things for J to eat is definitely a recurring theme and the whole restaurant club has a back catalogue of video material should one ever wish to blackmail J.
This was and still is a favourite of many. The food is delicious and as long as you bring good company, it's well worth the wait. Go with plenty of appetite, and don't make the same mistake as J did; chose the TAJINE!
Following a J's initial panic of losing his wallet (NB: before you go on hands & knees through the whole restaurant, always check the side pocket of your backpack), we settled the bill which was fair given the sensory delight we all (well, almost) experienced.
This restaurant is highly recommended by the Restaurant Club Groningen.
