Mecca Bah
Editorial
The darling of Melbourne and Brisbane Middle Eastern restaurants has continued its success in the nation's capital. Mecca Bah's recipe has changed little since the flagship restaurant opened in Melbourne. But overall this is a good thing: it offers no-nonsense Middle Eastern cuisine, made with an attention to detail and a strong awareness of its rich cultural heritage. Walking into Mecca Bah is like stepping back in time and across the globe, reminiscent of Bogart's Casablanca or Lawrence's Arabia. Richly adorned with cosy ottomans, beautifully draped fabrics, and Tunisian ceramics, Mecca Bah is opulent without being flashy. The interior evokes a strong sense of place and sets the scene perfectly for the traditional Middle Eastern food.
Fittingly, the menu is centred around traditional mezze dishes, perfect for sharing and best enjoyed in groups. Sensible diners would start with Mecca Bah's selection of dips with fresh Turkish bread, followed by green harissa olives. From there, though, the more adventurous among us might want to try the chickpea battered mussels with skordalia or the sweet potato falafels. Spicy lamb and pine nut boureks offer a distinctly different taste for even those accustomed to Middle Eastern dining in Australia. To top off this unique dining experience, try one of the many different tagine dishes which are cooked in special Moroccan clay pots to ensure a rich infused flavour. The lamb with preserved lemons, green olives and harissa is spectacular, and eating with hands is absolutely encouraged! For a fun and different night out, Mecca Bah has recreated a little part of the Middle East in our own backyard.
Russell Buzby, August 2008
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