Byblos, High Street Phoenix

I was inconsolable when Komala's downed their shutters in High Street Phoenix. Their Thali had been my favorite - tasty, filling, light on the tummy as well as on wallet. I spent days moping about it. Then on one of my visits I saw a new restaurant in its place - the name didn't give away any clue to its identity, it was called Byblos. So I googled to take a look at its menu. Turned out that it boasted of a lot of new dishes. I am not very good at geography but most of the dishes sounded middle eastern. Already a few reviews were in place - the good people of this city never waste any time in trying out a new eating place. Thankfully, most of the reviews were favorable.

But then I was down with a nasty attack of cold with a lot of phlegm that wouldn't just go away - no matter what remedy I tried. Fed up of all the Glycodins, Benadryls and assorted allopathy medicines, I trouped into the nearest store selling Ayurvedic medicines and trouped out with a bottle of their version of the cough syrup. Two spoonfuls of the liquid and several severe bouts coughing later I felt like I could actually breath. To cut the long story short, soon I was well enough to plan a lunch at Byblos.

When we actually sat down, it was difficult to decide what to order because we wanted to try out a lot of them. Finally we zeroed in on 3 of them - Bedouin Biryani  (believe it or not, this one is a veg dish!), Shawarma Plate (chicken) and Leek & Parmesan Crème brûlée.

Shawarma Plate

 I have eaten Shawarma as a wrap but was seeing it in this form for the first time. A very flavorful dish, no doubt, but the chicken was a bit too dry for my taste.

Leek & Parmesan Crème brûlée

The Crème brûlée was piping hot, velvety soft and every mouthful was a glimpse into culinary heaven, if there is any. I am going to end up ordering this dish on every future visit to this place.

Bedouin Biryani

I am not so thrilled by Bedouin Biryani. It tasted good when eaten with pomegranate gravy but when I tried a mouthful without the gravy I found that it didn't have much of a taste. I am unlikely to order it again. :-(

I forgot to add that we were served a small bread basket with an edible butter candle. Very nice, though I think the basket could do without the pieces of chapatis. :-)

The place is well decorated, spacious and clean. The staff is courteous and very attentive. The menu has enough novelties to last you for a few visits and some that will definitely make you go there again and again.