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ROOFTOP DINING UNDER SPARKLING SKIES
BY AMENA BAKR
CityStars Mall is in the midst of an expansion
– with a newly opened wing adding over 40 stores to the mega-mall
and developers creatively using every available space... including
the roof. For Aroma Lounge, one the mall’s newest culinary
additions, being relegated to the roof of a mall is hardly a disadvantage
– it’s a selling point. The sophisticated restaurant
and lounge, which was hardly noticed when confined to its indoor
quarters, began drawing crowds after it expanded onto the adjacent
roof, adding a spacious terrace in the valley between the mall’s
two towering pyramids.
The restaurant’s interior is tastefully appointed with hardwood
floors, subdued lighting and faux crystal chandeliers. Wood tables
line the walls, separated by a hardwood walkway – a catwalk
for the see and be-seen crowd – that leads to the outdoor
terrace. With warmer weather approaching, expect this is where people
will be going.
The spacious outdoor seating area offers a number of arrangements
– from bar-style seating for casual conversation to traditional
table settings for serious dining – the latter illuminated
by reflective lighting and the sparkling lights of the surrounding
pyramids. Larger groups may prefer the intimate yet laid-back setting
of the lounge’s two wood-framed gazebos, each with stylish
couches and low tables.
The sophistication of Aroma’s design does not fully extend
to the menu, but it does make a gallant effort to stand out from
the usual fare. We started with the Chicken Aroma Corn Soup, opting
at the waiter’s suggestion to add fresh mushrooms (LE 19).
After an obvious misunderstanding in which we were given a rather
bland cream of mushroom soup, the waiter returned with a tasty,
creamy broth packed with chunks of grilled chicken, sweet corn and
diced haloumi cheese.
The Mozzarella di Bufala Salad (LE 29), an Italian-style caprese
salad with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and a pesto dressing, seemed
a somewhat small portion for the price. Four thick slices of buffalo
mozzarella separated by sliced tomatoes were presented with a crop
of iceberg lettuce on a large white plate. The pesto sauce, drizzled
over the plate, proved a bit oily and could have done better with
more basil and garlic.
Portion size is definitely not an issue when it comes to the entrées,
which include a selection of pastas, beef, chicken and seafood dishes.
For a lighter meal, the restaurant also serves hot and cold mezze
dishes, as well as sandwiches. And Aroma’s pizzas –
with flavorful toppings and a tasty thick crust – have already
earned a devoted following.
The Spaghetti del Pescatore (LE 34) came as a generous portion of
spaghetti in a zesty tomato sauce packed with small shrimps, calamari
and clams. The fresh baby shrimps added flavor, but the calamari
pieces proved a tad rubbery and the clams – well they seemed
to collect all the chili pepper in their shells and presented a
serious fire hazard. While too spicy for this reviewer’s taste
buds – this dish would be a fantastic meal for those with
elevated piquant preferences.
The Chicken Cordon Bleu (LE 50) was easier on the senses –
and came well presented with two breaded chicken breasts on a bed
of cooked vegetables and a side of pink risotto. The dish is surprisingly
difficult to get right, as its filling ingredients cook best at
different temperatures, and in this case the thin boneless chicken
breasts came out a bit too dry. The accompanying risotto, which
appeared too overcooked to be tasty, was the sleeper hit of the
dish. A delicious and richly flavored mixture of rice, melted mozzarella
and tomato sauce – it disappeared fast. Accolades also go
to the sauteed vegetables – which were crisp and full-flavored.
Aroma is not the type of place you simply eat and jet. Diners usually
spend a few hours enjoying the cool evening breeze sipping cocktails
or smoking shisha. There’s also a good selection of desserts
to try, including the seductive Chocolate Mousse (LE 18), a slice
of multi-layered pie with a soft, creamy chocolate filling –
drizzled with dark chocolate sauce.
Aroma’s chefs may still need to hone their culinary skills,
but given the restaurant’s stellar outdoor setting, diners
may be willing to overlook this shortcoming. For friends gathering
to enjoy an evening, take a break from a day of shopping, or simply
enjoy the outdoor urban setting, Aroma’s garden terrace makes
an ideal outing.
Aroma Lounge
Level 3, CityStars Mall (Shop 319)
Nasr City
Tel: 480-2333
Open daily from 11am to 12:30am
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