Esther LowMedzs is the first outlet in Singapore to offer a variety of Mediterranean fare to suit different palettes under one roof. In terms of ambience, it has taken great care to achieve the Mediterranean feel for that exotic dining experience. The vibrant interior incorporates elements of Mediterranean architecture such as the use of textured stones, wood, mosaic, pendant lamps and lanterns.
From the self-service concept to the cashless payment system and the layout of the stations, Medzs has strands of Marche’s DNA replicated in it, except that dining here is a less costly affair. There are 8 F&B stations offering an extensive selection of Mediterranean fare such as Spanish, Greek, Turkish, French, Moroccan and Italian. Diners have the flexibility of moving around to order from any of these stations.
Orders are electronically consolidated in a credit card and customers pay at the end of the meal. They also issue a buzzer which lights up when your food is ready for collection, saving the hassle of loitering around. Flip over an eco-friendly pebble that sits on every table to “In use” to reserve your seats.
The 5% Bar situated in a cosy corner houses 120 types of Mediterranean and international brands of beers and wines from around the world. According to Hiskandar, a bubbly bartender, the bar got its name from the average alcohol content available here. This wide selection will certainly go down well with most drinkers who will surely find something to fit any celebratory occasion.
With an extensive selection of Mediterranean cuisine, diners are spoilt for choice. One interesting option to seek out is the traditional Moroccan tajines. Vegetables tajine ($6) is a luscious medley of vegetables like cauliflowers, zucchini, carrots and potatoes, simmered in an earthenware pot with a conical lid. Mildly spicy and aromatic, the interplay of vegetables and the simmering unlocks the flavours that perk up the dish.
The Turkish kebabs seemed to be the most popular, appealing to the palette of meat-lovers. The hotplate chicken kebab with mushroom and cheese ($6) is a delight when paired with pita bread ($2). The pita bread mops up the zesty juices of the meat which is moist and tender. The downside to this is that it is a tad oily but despite the cruel joke it plays on your weight, it is a crowd-pleaser.
Seafood paella ($12) from the Spanish section was a little disappointing. Consisting of clams, squids, red and green peppers, this dish has a good mix of seafood and spices. Although well infused with the seafood flavours, it lacked the moist-but-not-mushy saffron rice necessary for a stellar paella.
Pan-fried duck leg confit ($10) from the French station is a stand-out choice. It is perfectly done – crispy on the exterior and tender on the inside. The nice contrast of the crispiness and tenderness adds richness and complexity. Definitely, a must-try.
Greek-style charcoal grilled live Maine Lobster (250g, $18) is a generous portion of lobster served over mash potatoes and salad. The lobster is succulent and tasty comparable to what you get at pricier restaurants. Or try the pan-fried seabream ($12). Fresh and equally important not overcooked, it is lip-smacking goodness that explodes in your mouth.
My favourite pick would be the Pizza of the Day, Pesto with Cod ($4) from the Italian section. The crust is crispy-thin and the pesto complements the subtle sweetness of the cod. You are really stretching your dollar here because the pizza, enough for 1 to 2 people, does not come with barely-there slices of cod. The harmonious marriage of pesto and cod is surprisingly enticing and stirs up those taste buds jaded from the usual pizza offerings. A steal price to boot, this pizza rightfully deserves the thumbs-up from all around the table.
The Tomato and Cheese Pasta ($9) was a bit boring. The pasta came in a generous portion, done al-dente and firm to the bite and did not scrimp on the cheese topping. However with far more enticing and exotic options out there, give the pasta a miss as it pales in comparison.
The dessert station was pedestrian with run-of-the-mill desserts ranging from mousse, waffles, crème brulee, éclairs, crepes, cakes and pastries. The mango crepe with chocolate ice cream ($9.80) did not stand out but the price did. It is not too reassuring for a food-court, even if it is a special-themed boutique one. You get more bang for your bucks and richer pickings from the other stations. My personal favourite is fine French fare at irresistible down-to-earth prices.
I need to check out the charcuterie (Spanish Iberico and Spanish Serrano) and it looks like a second visit is warranted. With 25% discount off total food and drinks bill except beer for POSB/DBS cardholders (valid till August 31), there is every reason to be back again. The bill comes out to be about $15 a person which gives you a fairly satisfying meal.
Medzs does not disappoint with its reasonably good quality food at decent pocket-friendly prices. Diners who are adventurous in savoring new cuisine that is not within the usual gastronomic zone should check this out, especially when special promotions are thrown in to spice it all up.
Rating: 4/5
Medz is at 181 Orchard Road Basement 2, Orchard Central. For more information, call 62389028.
Opening hours: 11am to 11pm. Daily
Last order at 10.15 pm for Medzs
Last order at 10.45 pm for 5% Bar