Baraca, 129 Charminster Road, Bournemouth (From Bournemouth Echo)

Baraca, 129 Charminster Road, Bournemouth

11:12am Monday 28th December 2009

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NOTORIOUS for labouring over the easiest of decisions, I was flabbergasted at the alacrity with which my girlfriend and I reached a decision in Baraca last week.

In the short time it took for the waitress to get our drinks (a glass of red and a small jug of sangria), we were quickly sold on the Sultan’s Meal for two – a three-course set menu offering a smorgasbord of dishes from the Mediterranean and Middle East.

This seemed like the best plan of attack in a restaurant that offers such a variety of dishes.

Situated in the heart of Charminster high street, Baraca is an inviting establishment. The glass frontage gives a clear view into the restaurant, which is usually busy, romantically lit and cosy – it was these qualities that tempted us in.

Inside Baraca the place has a homely feel, something achieved by the laid-back ambience and casual décor. The ceiling is a particular feature of the restaurant, which has a busy collection of Middle Eastern lanterns hanging from it.

The Middle Eastern décor and exotic aromas wafting from the kitchen almost make you feel like you’re abroad, although I’m told that the place really oozes authenticity when they have their belly dancing nights.

After a brief wait our starter platter arrived, which received a mixed reception.

Initially we were disappointed by the parsley salad and impressed only by the presentation of the Dolma – vine leaves stuffed with rice, onion, pine kernels, currants and mixed herbs. Both, we conceded, were acquired tastes.

But there was a fork fight for the delicious humus, the spicy Turkish sausage and the heavenly Borek – fried pastry filled with feta cheese and parsley.

Happily the starters weren’t too filling and there was plenty of room for the main – a flavoursome platter of marinated meats (chicken and lamb), rice (with onion and mushroom) and a fiery chilli, tomato and onion salsa.

Subtly spicy, the tender lamb and chicken was delicious, especially with a dollop of the salsa, which was superb.

If there was a criticism it would be that the meal was a smidgen dry and could have benefited from a yoghurt dressing, although overall we were quite content.

Thankfully the Middle Eastern dessert platter was small and left a delicious, sweet flavour on the palate – my favourite was the moreish crème caramel.

Happily the bill was also as easy to swallow, racking up at a very reasonable £37.25.

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