More
often than not, people call me and ask where to go for a meal? I truly don’t
know what to say as everyone has a different preference and my first question
back to them is obviously, ‘so which cuisine are you looking at’?
Well if you are looking at Arabic this
weekend, then definitely head to threesixtyone at The Oberoi, Gurgaon.
Chef Hatem Ezzat Sabra, the culinary expert, who is at the helm of the Arabic
cuisine section at The Oberoi, Dubai is right here in ‘Mahro Gurgaon’ these
days and brings with him culinary delights from the heart of Egypt, Palestine
along with traditional local cuisine of Dubai.
 |
| Chef Hatem's professional highlights include being recognised with a honorary badge by the ' World Association of Chef's Societies' & the 'Egyptian Chef's Association' |
There’s
nothing that can impulsively snatch conversations giving way to a thrill of exhilaration
when a whole assortment of Arabic Mezze is placed right in the center of the
table. Well that’s exactly what happened on my table amid conversations with
the talented Chef Hatem and Executive Chef Manish Sharma.. Of course, the chatter resumed but only to be in awe
and appreciation for the food that had arrived.‘Tabbouleh is the first thing many women eat
and begin their day, it keeps them healthy and fit’, shares Chef Hatem, and of
course the women on the table look at him in glee and want to know all about it! ‘Parsley is
rich in many vitamins and keeps your immune system strong and Bulgur is a good
source of fiber, protein, iron and also vitamin B-6, he further adds. By this
time I am totally convinced to ask Chef Hatem for his recipe and add it to my daily diet.
The quality and balance of the Tabbouleh as well as the other dishes on offer are very
different from what you may be used to in Saadi Dilli and extremely authentic and I say that because I have travelled extensively to the Middle East. Although
most individuals are acquainted with a few staples of the region, Middle
Eastern food has endured a mystery for the most part. Hummus, Shawarma and Moutabel
are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Arabic food out here at the food festival. You may
want to order quite a few dishes off the A La Carte menu, which means that you
should pretty much order the whole menu. Go for it, because it’s all fantastic !
FAST FACTS
The
‘Arabic Cuisine’ showcase is on until the 19th February, 2017. The Lunch
buffet is priced at Rs. 2650 plus taxes per guest. Dinner has an A La
Carte offering
WHERE? Amaranta, Level 3 @ the Oberoi Gurgaon, 443, Udyog Vihar, Phase V,
Gurgaon
RESERVATIONS 0124 245 1234
LIP SMACKING
HOT MEZZE: Cheese Sambousek, Arabic Spinach Fatayer, Shrimp
Harrah and Falafel - Served with mixed pickles, tahini sauce and warm pita
bread
COLD MEZZE- Hummus, Babaganoush, Muhammara
ARABIC SALADS – Fattoush & Tabbouleh
SOUPS - Arabic Lentil Soup, Moroccan Lamb Harira Soup and Egyptian
Chicken Rizo Soup
TRADITIONAL ARABIC MAIN COURSES - Sea food Sayadieh, Lamb Machboos, Arabic grill
platter, Arabic chicken shawarma, Chicken Mandy, Vegetable couscous, Vegetable
Moussaka and Egyptian Potato Tagine
DESSERTS – Basbousa, Baklava with clotted vanilla cream, Kunafa
bil kishta, Balah al sham and Um Ali
