Eclectic but tasty offerings in a sophisticated atmosphere If Bert s doesn t sound very French to you, don't worry, it isn't. If it doesn t sound appetizing, however, that is another issue. This is the latest contemporary cafe to open its doors since Ramadan, but is still largely undiscovered. The French items on the menu are limited to bread and some dessert with eclectic selections dominating, ranging from miso and Thai shrimp soups to tikka sandwiches and Italian desserts. What you won t find on the menu are American burgers fajitas. It simply wouldn t fit in with the sophisticated purple hues and dark wood of the decor. Even the menus and place settings are stylish. Not a single spelling mistake was to be found on the menu. Sandwiches feature most prominently on the menu, divided into three sections: healthy, traditional, and tortilla wraps. The roast beef sandwich (LE 15), served warm on a black sesame baguette with herb mayonnaise and (a single) sun dried tomato was satisfying, if not exceptionally tasty. A dash of salt worked wonders however. This is roast beef that is not easy to find - not red, not synthetic, but truly sliced pieces of a larger roast. In contrast to the milder sandwich was the particularly tasty (and spicy!) Thai shrimp soup (LE 18) - a tangy, somewhat creamy soup with generous portions of shrimp, ginger and parsley. Be forewarned however that asking for a milder soup will not necessarily mitigate its effects. Not all of Bert s dishes are so exotic however, and even simpler meals are flavorful and well prepared. The penne with ricotta, lemon and spinach (LE 19) sounds simple but it is well executed, using high-quality ingredients and again, a generous distribution of greens and ricotta. The grilled white fish in dill and lemon served atop rocket salad (LE 15) was exquisite. It almost has to be, as it is one of only three main dishes. Thin and crisp, the tasty dish could potentially convert non-seafood enthusiasts. Portions are generally just enough for the regular appetite but those used to Chili-sized portions may consider taking in one of the many interesting salads first to avoid later hunger. On the other hand, one could save room for dessert. The nutty brownie (LE 7.50) is well made and not too rich, but for the more adventurous can try the panacotta (LE 7), a creamy-gelatin mixture (more creamy than gelatin) that will stir your taste buds. You might opt to order one of these for breakfast, as the breakfast options are limited. The menu also offers a fair variety of cold and hot coffee selections. In general the café-restaurant has a pleasant, trendy atmosphere with a great mix of English music playing subtly in the background. Service, so far, is quite good. Bert s is located at 63 Syria Street in Mohandiseen. Call (202) 305 0990 for more information.
