Tucked away in suburbia, is a gem of a restaurant: Saffron. Part of the club house at El Gezira compound, the restaurant sports an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool, plus a cozy restaurant and bar. It's fast becoming a hub for Friday family lunches that are drawn to Sixth of October city by the relaxed atmosphere as well as the good food. Saffron is a refreshing change from the restaurant chains that are cropping up across the country. It's a refuge from cookie cutter menus and staged quaintness. It's not trying to make a statement. Simply put, it's a place to hang out and grab a good meal. The décor gives off the vibes of a homey living room set up for a large luncheon. The dining room exhibits a keen sense of design, tasteful without pretension. There's a large fireplace straddled by two oversized denim couches that calls to you to snuggle down and lift your legs onto the large wood coffee table, though you're forced to resist the urge in lieu of restaurant etiquette. The bar in the corner is a mosaic of natural wood tiles. The paintings on the wall add to the overall serene atmosphere. It doesn't take much time to sink in to the couch at a table and unwind. Order your drinks before you browse through their lengthy menu. About six pages long, it's a lot to digest. There are salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta and more substantial main courses. Don't skip the salad. Not only will you get a recommended daily serving of veggies, you'll treat yourself. Favorites are the Caesar Salad (LE 15 for a single portion) and the Spinach and Arugula Salad (LE 20). If you're a little more adventurous, try the Calamari Salad (LE 20), poached strips of warm calamari tossed in a bed of green salad and slices of colored peppers. For the main course, the Risotto with Parmesan and Mushrooms (LE 30) is a popular choice - and with good reason. It's comfort food at its best. The rice is creamy, scattered with mushrooms. The richness is offset by the sharpness of the parmesan. The portion is justifiably large given that your fellow diners will be entreating you for a taste. If there are young children in your group, you might want to order a few pizzas (ranging in price from LE 20-30) for them to share. The thin base and the cheesy topping will keep them quiet for a few moments so you can enjoy your meal. When they're done, you can send them off to the playground around the corner, or to roam around the garden. For adults, the main course selection is filled with good choices. If you're in the mood for something light, opt for the grilled Sheesh Tawook (LE 45) or the Fresh Sea Bass with Olive Oil (LE 110). Both are good choices. If, however, you're in the mood for something more decadent try the Fillet with your choice of pepper, mushroom or mustard sauce (LE 75). The round medallion of beef is succulent and cooked to your liking. Diners are usually left speechless while their steak knife cuts through the meat like butter. My personal favorite is the Sautéed Fresh Salmon in Light Cream Sauce. I can wax lyrical about this dish. The salmon is served on a bed of sautéed leeks with a touch of creamy sauce, which complements the fish superbly. The sauce is tasty without overpowering the salmon's natural flavors. I usually ask for a side serving of sautéed veggies to dip into the remainder of the sauce. The dish is truly a delight to the palette and the senses. If you still have room, the cool winter weather calls for the chocolate soufflé. Admittedly, it's not all perfection. There are some small pitfalls you'll want to avoid. The Breaded Veal Escalope is less than exceptional, the slices served in a distorted wavy pattern. The coffee is mediocre. That said, these are but small blemishes on an otherwise exceptional dining experience. The atmosphere is unlike the typical family restaurants. It's usually packed, but not rowdy. There's a welcoming lack of party music blaring from loudspeakers. There are no jumping castles or trampolines. The homey food couple with the cozy atmosphere makes for a relaxing family lunch, but Saffron isn't exclusively for families. After all, that large fireplace is just beckoning me to snuggle up on the couch with that special someone followed by a romantic dinner for two. It's also ideal for ladies who lunch. Just like a home, there's room for everyone. SaffronEl Gezira CompoundSheikh Zayid, Sixth of October cityTel: (02) 3850 7582
