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It’s a special space that is created when friends come together for food, drinks and conversation. It was on a Sunday, much like today, it was warm, if you can call 38 degrees warm, at least the sun was shinning. I got a call from a recent ex-partner. We hadn’t talked for a while so it was certainly a surprise when I got the call. She called to see if I’d be interested in lunch. I immediately started wondering what “lunch” meant. As with many fresh break ups there were a lot of lingering unresolved issues. The question was, am I ready to tackle any of this today?

For those who believe in coincidences, I was already on my way downtown to drop in on a realtor friend’s open house. After that I was to head to Kali’s Court Mezze (1606 Thames St, Baltimore, MD) for the subject of this week’s blog. So why not just meet with the “ex”, I’m all about being efficient with my time. This was like “killing two birds with one stone,” a fantastic idea if you get to eat the birds afterwards.

When I got to Mezze she had not gotten there yet. Mezze has been around for a while but it still has that trendy new quality to it. The glass-top bar stretches the length of the restaurant. It curves back and forth reminding me of meandering brook. Custom moldings abound, stained rich and dark. There are cozy little tables nestle in corners giving couples the illusion of seclusion, even in a crowded place such as this. Little halogen lamps strings down from the ceiling in various colors gives the place an intimate glow.

I slipped into one of their oversized barstools and ordered a bottle of Carchelo (bin 868z), a standard favorite (not too price but tasty nonetheless), and drifted into thoughts of the recent past with the “ex”. Old images of her smile kept steeling my attention. It was then that she walked in. I was glad for the ease in which we hugged and said our greetings. Small talk dominated our first words. Shortly after that we settled in and then ordered.

Mezze is place for the flavor glutton. Portions are sized perfectly to share and sample. I have never worried about over ordering, the plates always seems to get polished off. Imported Feta (French, not as tart as Greek, still robust in flavor), Hummus, and a medley of Mediterranean olives arrived first. They came in small vessels that fit well for the bar area. Try this for a perfect bite; wedge a Calmata olive between a piece of feta and pita then dip it into the Hummus, what a flavor combo.

The meatballs and baby lamb chops came next. The chops are a personal favorite. They were well seared, enough of the fat remained around edges to keep things interesting while the center still a little pink, not over done. I’m not sure what I like better, the rich fat flavor over slightly chard meat or the hint of mint that strikes my nose after the bite. I rather think that it’s the combination of the two. Good stuff, Maynard.

At this point my wine buzz was at its optimal level, my realtor friend had arrived, and conversations focused on old relationships. I remembered us trading war stories of dating. I think it was at this point that something magical started to happened. Moods were transformed, things got lighter, and I believed that all us at that moment was in the moment. We focused our collective energies on each other which gave us all a true sense of euphoria. Any sense of awkwardness I had dissipated like smells into the wind. I got what I came for. I got my little moment of Zen.

So at Mezze today I recaptured one relationship with a friend, renewed an old friendship, and had a good meal to boot. It is these moments that keeps me coming to places like Mezze. No matter why I came or who I came with. I know that at some point, I will get what I came in for, a sense of satisfaction and happiness that comes from having a happy heart and a content belly. That is magic in and of it self.

Mezze 1606 Thames St Baltimore, MD 21231 (410) 563-7600 www.kalismezze.com

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Tags: Mezze Kali's court