Tags: catering | Continental | gourmet

Stepping off the industrial residential streets of Holesovice and onto the red carpet flowing into the fish tank and palm tree shrouded entrance to the city's newest nightclub and restaurant complex, the patron is immediately charmed by the high ceilings and pleasant staff.

If you're looking for the perfect place to have a great company party or social event, Mecca is one of your best choices. The bright and spacious lounge makes waiting for your table a pleasure. There is a full kitchen in this reconstructed factory, so catering will not be a problem, just call Jana at +420 607 571 172.

The dining area is lit for intimacy, in contrast to the lounge and the nightclub downstairs, where the real people watching takes place.

Although elegant, you can watch the chefs at work through the back wall of the restaurant, the atmosphere is relaxed, and far from pretentious.A wide selection of spirits and the wines of seven nations, as well as delicious Illy espresso highlight the beverage menu. The chefs are willing to answer any and all comers about the menu which ranges from seafood to duck, rabbit, beef and lamb.

For starters we tried the spinach salad with poached egg, bacon and cream sauce, the Mecca capriccio (marinated beef with parmesan), Thai spicy chicken in peanut sauce, and the goat cheese in puff pastry with mushroom ragu. All were well executed, the spinach fresh, the peanut sauce complex and savoury, and the goat cheese golden brown and succulent. The capriccio was tender and the best way to enjoy all of them is to get a few and share.

The duck breast in a duck comfit was the star of the entree with the lamb loin following a close second. The consistency of the dishes (which some of you may have tried at their generous opening party in September) was remarkable. The kitchen staff is solid and should not suffer the problems of turnover prevalent at so many Prague restaurants.

The halibut was served with lemon whipped potatoes, and tomato concase, which at first may seem a strange combination works well, the lemon being prominent, and the sauce mild. They also serve salmon, rabbit in English bacon, and a selection of French cheeses on the side.

They'll have to wait until next visit since the desert menu was appealing from the start. The tiramisu is a frequent special and is served in a chocolate crust. The exclusive bread pudding was delicious, and light in texture. Other intrigues include a chocolate cake with marinated mint strawberries, the pistachio chocolate tart, and a selection of home-made ice creams.

If you haven't overdone it, go downstairs and hit the dance floor featuring top local DJ's and the occasional international guest. Every room in MECCA has a distinct personality and reflects the hard work put into its construction. So take a sojourn out of the center and experience the new taste of Prague 7, and yes, it costs money.

Long live Mecca!