Restaurant Review: Cafe Mezzuna!

Hello from EL the Cook! Today we'll follow the lifestyle on the sunny Mediterranean coast, post hung-over breakfasts & lazy lunches, except that this is in Pune, at Cafe` Mezzuna!   

Ever since 1994, Speciality Restaurants has established several famous brands synonymous with passionate food! They have an impressive restaurant umbrella which includes Mainland China, Oh! Calcutta, Sigree, Machaan, Sigree Global Grill, Flame & Grill and Haka.

Speciality's next stop is the sun & surf kissed Mediterranean coast!

With young urban India, being more adventurous with food, Speciality introduced Cafe`Mezzuna  with an all day casual dining format, lazy brunches & chic dinners to constantly entertain your spirits!

Boasting modernist ambiance, Mezzuna at first glance is a delight to look at!

Simplistic outdoor seating, and curves of the overhead lights, greet you as you enter. The indoor seating has a mix of tables and hexagonal angular couches, with golden light streaming from its sharp wave form ceiling.

Mezzuna has courteous, well informed staff. They also present an open grill counter and have facilities for infants and children.

Here's whats on offer:

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Ginger Orange Glaze

Recommended by the waiter, this dish when served had frightfully little salt! It was initially tasteless. A replacement was provided, but after a considerable waiting.

The new dish, was a bit better, the freshness of the ginger orange glaze, a the stand-out on this dish. The chicken was dry and overcooked. 

Brick Grilled Chicken with a Citrus jus

A spectacular looking dish, the brick grilled chicken is perfectly braised & cooked! The sides of warm roast potato and sauteed vegetables compliment the dish well. The jus could be better with citrusy component, overshadowed by a barbecue taste. 

Moroccan Lamb Chops with Olive & Tomato Wheat Pilaf 

This gorgeous looking dish, tastes as good as it looks! The lamb is soft & tender, and falls of the bone. Richly flavored with a complex mix of fresh rosemary, cinnamon, black pepper & fennel, the lamb delights the palette! 

The wheat pilaf (the Turkish take on Indian Pulav) is light and flavorsome. This handsomely compliments the lamb, making this an outstanding dish!

Italian pepperoni, Smoked mozzarella, and Arugula Pizza

This pizza is meaty! The smoky flavor of the pepperoni and bacon reaches out and grabs you! The arugula gently blends the cheese and pepperoni, but after a few slices the taste certainly is over-powering.

11 inches of pure Italian pepperoni pizza is a true delight to all the senses!

Mezzuna has a legendary dessert platter, which, if you have the stomach for, after the wonderful first 2 courses, go ahead!

I,  however didn't! So here's whats recommended for desserts

Vanilla bean Creme` Brulee with Almond Biscotti

Served up in perfect white ramekin, the scorched castor sugar glaze has that familiar burnt caramel aroma. Cracking the surface, reveals a smooth, golden creme` which is spiced with hints of vanilla. Combine the bitterness of the glaze and the sweetness of the creme, you get one exeptional dessert!

The almond biscotti, serves as a useful side, to break the monotony of the sweet creme.

    

Two-Berry baked Philadelphia Cheesecake

This cheesecake has a soft richness with a firm crunchy base. The heavy cream cheese, is balanced by the light strawberry compote glaze. The blueberries and strawberries served  on the side imparts this desirable dessert it’s name. 

However, a Philly cheesecake demands a lighter, much less dense texture. The one served here has a touch of a New York cheesecake with its denser, creamier consistency.

Cafe` Mezzuna, a comfortable, modernist approach to Mediterranean cuisine. A rare blend of casual dining & masterclass cuisine. 

A place where you are comfortable in the "straight-out of-bed" look and the semi-formal diner as well.

Visit Cafe` Mezzuna for a great variety of dishes that take you straight to the Mediterranean!