K is feeling all smug and proud that he managed to unravel the hidden artsy meaning behind Artichoke Café & Bar. Well, I’ve got to give him some credit, he’s good (okie, very good). Especially since I didn’t figure it out, considering I’ve already been to Artichoke Café a couple of times.
I mean, look at the jumbled scrawling on the chalkboard below. Can you guess that Artichoke is a play on words, standing for ‘Art I Choke’? Being housed near (or is it in?) an art gallery and all that. Clever clever.
It was a pretty funny moment when we asked the waitress for affirmation of K’s ‘Art I Choke’ theory and a blank look was returned. Apparently like me, she had no idea too! So off she went to ask her boss and yep, K was given the green light to sport a self-satisfied smirk for the whole of that evening! It’s a guys’ thing to hear those magical three words: “you are right”, so I shall let him indulge in his moment (and I promised to praise him publicly on my blog) haha.
‘Deviant Middle Eastern food’ — that’s how the talented guys behind Artichoke described their cuisine. Traditional or unorthodox, I don’t really care. Just be delicious. And I wasn’t disappointed, albeit surprisingly since I wasn’t blown away on my previous visits. Maybe we picked the right stuff this time!
A wide variety of mezze was laid out on the counter, and I was so tempted to get all! Of course, reality intruded and we ordered modestly for two: hummus as usual, muhammara (interesting and I say that in an ambiguous manner), and my favourite beetroot tzatziki! Very very good. To accompany all the dips, a side of Arabic bread was ordered. Freaking expensive at more than one buck per slice, but any carb-whore will love the freshly toasted and crusty bread!
Artichoke’s dining policy advocates the oh-so-popular-these-days communal sharing. But it’s hard to share when it’s just the two of us, and he wants chicken (which I don’t take) and I want fish. So we each had a main course to ourselves, no fighting involved!
The aroma of his grilled chicken hit us even before the plate was placed on the table.
Me: “Nice??” (I love to ask this question whenever we eat)
K: Like satay.
He meant that in a good way, by the way. I was judging it to be coarse and dry, but according to K, the kebab-style chicken was nicely charred and tender.
As for me, I love my grilled mackerel! Generous portion and the chef was careful to not overcook the fish, plus points. The addition of green chilli harissa (a Tunisian hot chili sauce) gave some heat to this addictive dish!
Assorted Mezze ($7++ each or set of 3 for $20++)
beetroot tzatziki, pistachio dukka, garlic breadcrumbs
hummus, smashed chickpea & sesame dip
muhammara, red pepper, walnut & pomegranate dip
Arabic bread ($4++)
Shish Taouk ($26++)
lebanese charcoal BBQ chicken, toum garlic sauce
Local Mackerel ($28++)
charcoal grilled, green chilli harissa, dirty onions
Artichoke Café & Bar
161 Middle Road
6336 6949
My Food Sirens II 
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