Good Morning Darlings!
Last week my sweet friend, Patricia Tinsley, who knows everybody, invited me to a tasting at Atlanta’s own Imperial Fez. Of course I jumped at the chance to visit the emporium of low seated booths draped in silk and filled with exotic belly dancers. I picked out an appropriate outfit (no shoes necessary, you take them off when you get there so you could show up with flip flops on and no one would notice), realized I was the first from our party to get there and was led to our gorgeous seating area.
Just like being in the movie Casablanca, without the long flight.
Our group was incredibly vibrant. There was the beautiful Suchita V. from Good Day Atlanta, stunning Evelyn M. from Channel 11, stand-up comedian Tushar, ebullient Mandy aka the Self Trained Chef, my gorgeous friend Veronica from Veronica Unleashed, my very talented photographer friend Thomas and Patricia’s lovely beau, the distinguished Jay from Goliath Consulting. Unfortunately, Miss Tinsley was feeling a bit under the weather and was unable to join us. But we toasted her all through the evening!
Hosts and owners Rafih and Rita treated us all as guests in their home. It was a sublime evening.
Veronica and I pose between courses
Our charming host, Rafih.
Many of my dining companions started the evening with the Happy Drink – a concoction of rum and who knows what else. But they sure seemed happy. A perfect start to our very indulgent evening.
First course was a vegetable platter that I could have eaten all by myself. Eggplant, cucumbers, cabbage and pickled carrots made for a colorful melange of goodness. Honestly, this was my favorite dish of the night.
Oh those veggies...
I was so busy waxing poetic about the veggies, that I forgot to mention the lentil soup. Very very good.
Luscious lentil soup.
Thomas and Mandy, making their way to the table.
That poor Mandy. Poor shy dear. I’m sure she only got up one or two times to dance with the belly dancers. We must work on getting her out of her shell. lol
My new friend Jay and me.
Next course was phyllo dough filled with fragrant beef. Most tasty.
Yes, that is powdered sugar over the meat pastry. Yes, it is super yummy.
I loved the ceremony of the meal. At two different intervals a pot of warm water was brought to the table and as we all put our hands over a bowl, warm water was poured over our hands for cleansing. I could get used to that.
Veronica, Jay, Mandy, Rafih and Rita
It was now time for the main courses. Several of us opted for the lamb in various guises. All amazingly delicious. There were giant prawns, curried chicken and beef shank as well.
My lamb with sweet onions. So amazing.
Lovely Evelyn, Beautiful Suchita and the very funny Tushar
Now it is time for the big event, belly dancing with fire. Hmmm, I seem to have a fire theme this week.
Dessert was ripe fruit. A spectacular way to end our night.
Rafih and Rita, thanks so much for hosting us. It was an enchanted evening. And for those of you who have been meaning to get the Imperial Fez, now is the time. There are all sorts of dining specials during the week.
A pretty fabulous way to break free from all that turkey, wouldn’t you agree?
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to The Might Be Giants – Instanbul