Suck Back the Jägermeister.

This multiculti bistro is a hit with the Richmond Ave. creative community, not to mention the staff at MartiniBoys. It serves some of the most eclectic pan-global fusion cuisine around, with a menu that's akin to Moroccan but off by a few degrees. The Morroccan-themed restaurant/club (used to be the old Atlas) from the owners of Gypsy Co-op sets the casual groove of Queen West against the chic of Clubland.

It's a big space, split into three levels. The main floor is all restaurant, with the kitchen and more tables on the bottom level. Although Fez Batik's is an all-new fusion menu (with Moroccan specialties like couscous and tagine), Gypsy's executive chef, Andrew Underwood, oversees the operation and Stephen Bauer, another Gypsy chef, heads the kitchen. Start with a salad of fresh arugula, oven-dried tomatoes and marinated bocconcini cheese in a bed of light phyllo pastry. The fresh basil and apple cider vinaigrette complete the superb dish. Maki rolls, stuffed with lemon-pickled vegetables, frisée and spinach side with a sweet orange-plum dressing (appetizers range from $5 to $14). Among the mains ($12-$25), the chicken breast is rubbed in ras el hanout, a complex Moroccan blend of spices, and glazed in an orange allspice Cointreau sauce.

Now, at night, The Fez turns into an exotic-themed lounge, with the choice spot being the patio. Many a night has gone by, sucking back Jägermeisters, watching the dot com parade pass by us along Richmond. Upstairs is a mini-club, B-Side.
Smoking. Reservations accepted.


Reader Reviews

kiddie-cups
Sclem, Brampton
This place sucks harder than anywhere I've ever been. Graphic porn is broadcast on a huge screen. Dirty glasses; wine served in kiddie-cups. Pathetic service; rude and careless bouncers.


Fun Place
Donna on Nov. 10, 2001
My buddies and I have become Friday night happy hour regulars and would recommended the The Fez to everyone. We've gotten to know everyone's name and always have a great time. The menu changed about two weeks ago and although I have only sampled the appetizers and bar menu items, the dinner entrees sound delicious.