Lexie’s at Lakeview

January 2, 2020

1387

Lexie’s has carved its own niche on the local dining scene, not only for a buzzing vibe and edgy decor, but also for its brilliant and innovative take on Italian cuisine. So when owner Ayman El Baky and Executive Chef Reif Otham took the decision to showcase Egypt’s excellent local produce on the updated menu, our curiosity was piqued. Suffice to say, we came away impressed.

Signature Dishes & Dishes Sampled

Their signature dishes include: Beef Carpaccio, Salmon Gravlax, Lexi’s Caesar Salad with Shrimp, Mushroom Risotto, Lexie’s Lasagna, Salt Baked Seabass, Wagyu Beef Fillet, Chocolate Peanut Butter Semi-Fredo, and not to forget, Lexie’s signature Negroni cocktail, a potent mix of gin, raspberry vermouth, peppercorns and Campari.

A meal at Lexie’s is not to be rushed. Every moment and morsel should be savored, so we opted to enjoy the basket of warm olive oil bread with our pre-dinner cocktails while we lapped up the atmosphere. Our starters arrived in unison; Branzino Carpaccio, finely diced fresh seabass doused in a guacamole and lemon dressing, topped with crunchy hazel nuts, and Gnocchi Pops, homemade deep-fried gnocchi which came resting on a rich tomato salsa, accompanied by pine nuts and Parmesan crisps. These were swiftly followed by Crispy Manzo Pizza, a crisp crust with wafer thin slices of beef carpaccio, fresh Rocca, garlic mayo and shaved Parmesan, and a hearty Melezana. The totally more-ish eggplant came topped with lashings of melted mozzarella, and a rich tomato and pesto sauce and was our idea of comfort food heaven.

We then kept in the mood with a generous dish of Lexie’s Lasgana, open faced delicate sheets of perfectly al dente pasta bathed in a meaty Bolognese sauce, with Parmesan crisps. Each dish celebrated its Italian roots, with rich authentic flavors, but with a lightness that allowed us to look forward to the arrival of our Salt Baked Seabass. A little bit of theatre adds to any dining experience, and the arrival of whole fish, encased in a neatly constructed mound of salt provided just that. Expertly served at our table side, the fish was gradually freed from its casing and portioned into neat servings. For anyone who hasn’t tried this gastronomic treat, please do so. The flesh was flaky and moist, and the simple accompaniment of green beans, baby potatoes and citrus buerre blanc sauce did it full justice. It was the star of an already impressive dining experience, and worth the visit in itself.

We could have happily relaxed over the two shots of homemade mistiqa that suddenly appeared at our table, but agreed to venture on to dessert. After all, it would have been madness to say no to Warm Mango Cake with Caramel Sauce and Licorice Ice Cream, and Banana Tart with Toffee Sauce and Hazelnut Ice Cream. Amazingly, we cleaned our plates. Forgoing coffee, we let the tantalizing flavors of the dessert remain with us as we headed out into the night.

Other Menu Options that Appealed

We would love to try the Wagyu Beef, Warm Shrimp, Parmesan Panacotta, Salmon Confit and the Mushroom Risotto, (along with the rest of the menu we must admit).

Beverages Available

The cocktail selection is creative, intriguing and adventurous. We enthused about our choice of Sardinia Cooler, a mix of gin, cherry brandy, orange, lemon and house ginger beer, and El Mediteranneo, with rum and house mistiqa. Local wines feature, along with soft options and hot beverages.

Décor and Ambience

In a world of pared back interiors and industrial elements, Lexie’s is unabashedly glam. Chic and sophisticated, from the stunning entrance foyer with its curated selection of artworks, to the subtly lit interior. Colors are warm, flattering, and boldly used in a palette of golds, bronze and warm browns with liberal use of marble. A large round bar could dominate the space, but somehow works as an eye-catching center point to the gentle hum of activity from the surrounding tables. The comfortable well-spaced interior flows through to an outdoor terrace, with high tables and a view over the greenery and water beyond. The service standards are high, attentive and courteous.

Lexie’s own music compilation drew us in immediately, ranging from contemporary Italian hits to favorites that will never age. In a nutshell, it was hard to drag ourselves away as the evening drew to a close.

Clientele Mix: A stylish crowd, with a casual yet chic mien. On our visit 25+.

Price Range: High end, but deservedly so.

What We Loved: The decision to integrate many locally sourced items was a brave move, but it paid off. The food quality was impeccable, and we would like to see more restaurants follow this lead.