Melange located in Tahlia Street, near Al Saif Roundabout, Al Andalus district is today one of the biggest restaurants in the city. A beautiful interior welcomes you with amazing details on the roof and around. Not only is Melange a gathering spot for the local youth to watch their favorite sports matches; it's all decorated by comfortable sofas that are very relaxing - perfect for a chat, a cup of coffee and a Nargileh. I then learned that Lebanese architects David Aouad and Juliane Haddad Aouad from Hands. Just great work, congrats!
Friends in Saudi were talking about their famous Nargileh - The Meduse, a shisha that is tasty made from a special mix and more importantly is that it doesn't burn because they use a special item that separates the charcoal from the tobacco. It comes in a signature Nargilleh especially designed for them. It's also available to buy at $1000 a piece. Yes, a $1000. Is it fine dining restaurant? Is it only a cafe? I didn't know exactly how to pinpoint it but the food is great. We ordered that night two Melange chichas; a special mix of everything, all flavors in one. And it works.
For dinner we had the Calamari Rings and Mozzarella Sticks to start with then followed by Mushroom Risotto and Cordon Bleu.,The Calamari and Mozzarella starters were tasty and not oily at all and the risotto is very tasty, adequately cooked but I would add a bit more salt and the presentation and colors of the Cordon Bleu platter was great. The portions are generous and the plates shapes are up to the standard for a gastronomic restaurant. Very nice place indeed. The name at first might not show it, or the dimmed lighting inside but the rest is just great. Time passes smoothly without even noticing since all the elements of comfort are present. A 07/10 is a reasonable overall grade since the service is very simple and average with one waiter only available, is not wearing a special uniform.
