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29 Jan, 2016

How many restaurants in Lahore, fine dining or otherwise, offer authentic Mediterranean cuisine? Relying solely on their own claims, every second restaurant comes to mind with half of them not even knowing what Mediterranean cuisine is or confusing it with Lebanese.

But there’s a new player in town. A little over a month ago, a new eatery, Zucchini, opened its doors to the gourmands of Lahore on the ‘mini food street’, M.M. Alam Road, and claimed to serve just authentic Mediterranean food.

Zucchini joins the restaurants on Lahore's other food street, M.M. Alam Road
Zucchini joins the restaurants on Lahore's other food street, M.M. Alam Road

For those still confused about or wondering what exactly Mediterranean cuisine is, it includes staple ingredients from the culturally rich nations around the Mediterranean Sea: Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Greece, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Israel. Mediterranean food usually includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, olive oil, moderate amounts of fish and white meat, legumes, whole grains and beans and dairy produce.

Zucchini General Manager Kamran Rafi claims they want to offer specialties from major Mediterranean nations under one roof rather than just the Italian and French fare every other eatery in the city claims to offer. What sets them apart, Mr Rafi says, is the use of certain ingredients such as Portobello mushrooms, the Mezze Platter and specific meats that other restaurants shy away from, and that the food mostly is moderately spiced. He thinks they have an edge over their competitors because of the diversity in Mediterranean cuisine.

Head chef Hameed, hailing from Hunza, has been in the culinary industry for 16 years. He wants to open up his own cooking school back in his hometown, but due to commitments here, he’s put his plans on the backburner for now.

Where to go

Zucchini is located on main M.M. Alam Road; it can be easily spotted, nestled between the Zoom petrol pump and Memories restaurant.

When to go

Zucchini is open all day from 12pm to 12am on weekdays and 1am on weekends, so one can walk in even in the evening for a cup of coffee.

Zucchini is open for both lunch and dinner, but its dark interiors may cause you to grab a window seat during the day
Zucchini is open for both lunch and dinner, but its dark interiors may cause you to grab a window seat during the day

The interior is slightly dark and dim, what with black walls and maroon and brown furnishings, and sunlight barely creeps in. So, for lunch, try to grab a seat a little beyond the entrance, which is the only side exposed to sunlight through a glass window.

It’s a nice place to have a quiet, private dinner with family or someone special.

What to order

Currently in their first phase of the resto's launch, Zucchini’s menu is surprisingly mostly Italian, so much so that the names of the menu's different sections are also in Italian. They have a limited desserts, drinks and shakes menu for now and plan to expand in a couple of months.

From the starters, we recommend Funghi Ripieni, which is basically giant oven-baked Portobello mushrooms stuffed with chicken, ricotta cheese, olives, tomatoes and covered with fresh crumbs drenched in tangy lemon butter dressing. Order this only if you’ve not had food for hours, or it may not leave enough space for the main course.

Funghi Ripieni is an appetiser so filling that it ought to be a main course
Funghi Ripieni is an appetiser so filling that it ought to be a main course

Another appetiser we’d suggest is Mediterranean Prawns: Arabian prawns tossed in a finger-licking chilli and garlic marinade.

Succulent prawns in Mediterranean herbs were a treat to the palate
Succulent prawns in Mediterranean herbs were a treat to the palate

If you’re into soups, you just can’t miss the fulfilling and creamy, tangy New England Seafood Chowder with diced potatoes, celery, onion, shrimp, fish and fresh cream. We suggest against ordering a heavy main after this soup. Or the Crema DI Funghi: rich, creamy mushroom soup.

The crema di funghi soup is another favourite with mushrooms
The crema di funghi soup is another favourite with mushrooms

Their fresh salads are highly recommended. Crunchy green leaves mixed with soft and fresh shrimp meat, tossed with Dijon mustard and capers make the Avocado Shrimp Salad quite a light and delicious beginning to a meal. As is the Pollo-e Mozzarella made with handmade fresh buffalo mozzarella, fresh iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and chicken cubes topped with a special homemade dressing.

A fresh salad is not as easy to nail as it sounds; Zucchini's Pollo-e-Mozzarella does a good job of exciting the tastebuds
A fresh salad is not as easy to nail as it sounds; Zucchini's Pollo-e-Mozzarella does a good job of exciting the tastebuds

For main course, if you’re a chicken fan, try Pollo Parmigiano, which is boneless chicken breast topped with parmesan cheese and a light, creamy basil sauce served with rice and fresh seasonal vegetables. We’d also recommend their version of Moroccan Chicken: grilled boneless chicken breast topped with a faintly spicy sauce and served with rice and sautéed vegetables.

From L-R: Pollo Parmigiano and Moroccan Chicken
From L-R: Pollo Parmigiano and Moroccan Chicken

Looking for seafood? From among a wide array on the menu, one dish you should try is their scrumptious Grilled Red Snapper in Tarragon Sauce: a fillet of snapper seasoned with a light, yummy garlic and lemon juice sauce served with assorted vegetables and rice. Deeeeelicious!

If there’s still any space in your tummies, round off the meal with their delectable bread and butter pudding, which could leave you wanting for more. You’ve been warned!

While Zucchini categorise themselves as a high-end restaurant, the presentation of food is anything but.

Some of their competitors on the other hand create stunning plates of food that seem to have jumped right out of a cookbook. Zucchini definitely need some tweaking here. They could also fine-tune flavours in their sauces; we understand they’re supposed to be mild, but not so much that they all taste almost similar.

Damage on the pocket

Now, Zucchini markets itself as a high-end, fine dining restaurant. So go with your wallets packed.

Since they claim to offer unique Italian and other Mediterranean food prepared with imported ingredients, they’ll charge you accordingly. With appetisers ranging between Rs600 and Rs900, main course Rs600 and Rs1,600, their imported steaks go well over a couple of thousands. Once in a while, we say indulge!

Pro tip: Head over to Zucchini if you want to enjoy some good healthy, nutritious, light and mildly spicy food because that’s how Mediterranean food is supposed to be. If you’re looking for a meal with some tarka here and some tarka there that fills you to the brim, this isn’t the place for you.


'Weekend grub' is a weekly column that explores new eateries in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Leave a note in the comments below if you have a suggestion or would like to be featured.

Comments

Skeptic Jan 29, 2016 01:02pm
No Thanks. I rather go for traditional Biryani, Pilau or even a juice steak with Potatoes instead!!!
Recommend
NKAli Jan 29, 2016 01:31pm
Lahore is known for its status symbols reminiscent of a wisp of smoke. The more 'down to earth' citizens shun such extravagances and look after their pockets. Salams
Recommend
Naxalite Jan 29, 2016 02:08pm
I like the Desi-Angraiz Approach of the Author.
Recommend
M.Saeed Jan 29, 2016 02:44pm
In Lahore, it is an insult to the world's best Lahori food by patronizing insanely pricey and practically junk Mediterranean food. It is only eating of fancy sounding and unpronounceable names, rather than something unforgettable from the heavens.
Recommend
Acorn Guts Jan 29, 2016 02:48pm
Don't be fooled into paying extra for 'imported steak'. You can have the most expensive wagyu beef and it'll taste like cardboard if they don't know how to cook it correctly. Always go for the cheapest cut first and see if the chef knows what he/she is doing before splurging out.
Recommend
The Observer Jan 29, 2016 02:56pm
if you go to lahore, better let your buds yummed with desi food. It's more delicious and do lesser damage to your pocket.
Recommend
Goga Nalaik Jan 29, 2016 04:05pm
Author, please note that the word "legumes" is the French translation of "vegetables". You forgot to mention Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria as all these countries exist for centuries and you dare mentioning Israel, a 60 years old country that hardly has its own culinary traditions. As far Mediterranean culinary traditions are concerned, of course fish is very much present and is eaten regularly... and you are affirming the contrary!! With such high prices and without any guarantee of taste with imported seafood, this place is certainly not for me. When I’m in Lahore, I’ll do as Lahorias do... Biryani, Nihari, Takatak... Cheers 
Recommend
mansour ahsan Jan 29, 2016 04:13pm
I read your review with much interest since I've been meaning to visit this restaurant. However, most of the items you've recommended seem to be more on the Italian side, with the exception of Morrocan chicken. I was wondering if they had any Spanish food there such as the paella or the cuchifritos.
Recommend
Tariq, Lahore Jan 29, 2016 09:12pm
Looks OK! But the portions are enough to go round enough for three! Finesse and delicacy of the dish are in their taste and I doubt if they would come up to even one Michelin Star rating! Over hyped and over priced !
Recommend
Syed Moinuddin, Canada Jan 29, 2016 10:10pm
I have been living in Toronto for almost 50 years. The place has changed in many ways, including choices in terms of food. Toronto has become multicultural and when it comes to food, there are all kinds of cuisine available. There are many restaurants that serve Med. food. They serve variety of dishes related to that area. I have visited many of these restaurants. While the food is tasty, but for my taste, most of them are bland. May be my taste buds are still influenced by "Desi" taste. Even though I do not consume on a regular basis, I still enjoy what I have been used to.
Recommend
>:) Jan 30, 2016 03:02am
The meager portion size........ :(
Recommend
Rev. Eldrick Lal Jan 30, 2016 04:34am
@Goga Nalaik You forgot a very important nation LIBYA. Heavily dom dominated by Italian and Israeli cuisines.
Recommend
I. khan (Canada) Jan 30, 2016 07:33am
I have lived all my life in Canada and U.S and I have tried food from every country in the world but I prefer dishes from Pakistan and Afghanistan, they are the best.
Recommend
Chris Roberts Jan 30, 2016 10:25pm
It's so wonderful to be able to enjoy different types of cuisine instead of just sticking to your own all the time. You can travel the world through its fascinating array of dishes. I now live in Canada which has people from all parts of the globe, and the variety of eating establishments reflects that div ersity. Living here, you not only end up makin
Recommend
Chris Roberts Jan 30, 2016 10:40pm
It's so wonderful to be able to enjoy food from all parts of the world instead of just sticking to one type of cuisine. I now live in Canada where there are people from every corner of the globe and the variety of eating establishments reflects that diversity. I prepare many of these dishes at home, too. It is true that the prices in some restaurants are outrageously high, but quality ingredients and true culinary expertise come with a price. Cooking is an art.
Recommend
Goga Nalaik Jan 30, 2016 11:55pm
@Rev. Eldrick Lal sorry, it was not intential. As far Italian domination on their cuisine is concerned, there are evident historic reasons behind it but when you say "israeli cuisine", I don't agree at all.
Recommend
Shifa Feb 03, 2016 09:41pm
Honestly! This is not food from the mediterranean, this is some weird concoction assumed to be the real thing. I have been all over that region they eat simple foods. with lots of olives, olive oil and breads. Look up the food before you call a restaurant zucchini.
Recommend