Che and her sister, Marites, at Mumtaz Mahal. We decided to check it out to see what all the rave was about!
From the bottom of the hill on the drive up to the restaurant. Mumtaz is on the upper hill of Qurum Natural Park and lights up the sky in green neon as you drive by on Sultan Qaboos Street.
The restaurant from the main entrance. The restaurant is upstairs and the “Left Bank” Bar is on the ground floor. The restaurant is named after The Taj Mahal in India. From the menu, “The story dates back to 1607, when a prince of the royal Mughal strolled down the Meena Bazaar, accompanied by a string of fawning courtiers. He caught a glimpse of a girl hawking silk and glass beads. Five years later the regal 20-year old went to wed his 19-year old bride. It was a fairytale union from the start, one that withstood court intrigue, battles for succession and finally, the grand coronation. And when she died in the 19th year of their marriage, he etched her story in stone. The Taj Mahal is a living symbol of the monumental passion of Shah Jahan and Arjumand Banu (Mumtaz). To people the world over, the Taj Mahal, mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s chief wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is synonymous with India. As a tomb, it has no match upon earth, for mortal remains of immortal love have never been housed in greater grandeur.” I couldn’t disagree more. Take note that it was named after his CHIEF wife-He had other wives and plenty of concubines! Is that love?! And HE didn’t build it-He had hundreds of SLAVES build it! If that is the world’s idea of love, it certainly is warped.
Che on the stairs to Mumtaz with the main street of Muscat, Sultan Qaboos Street, in the background.
Pina Colada, Mumtaz Punch and Lemon Iced Tea!
Indian bread known as “naan”. Tasty and comes with different spices for the customers to dip it into.
Joe and Rachel have been incredible friends to Che for the past 3 years. This was our opportunity to thank them for being such great friends. 
This is the Mumtaz Mahal’s famous “Snake Coffee”. To see a a 4-minute video on how this unique creation is made, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ysJBVQ-c6k
We had a great time at Mumtaz simply because of the company we shared. The best advice we could give anyone who is thinking of going here is to go to any of the other decent, more reasonably priced Indian restaurants available in Oman at a fraction of the cost. At least if you do go (for a special occasion such as a birthday, for example), we would recommend calling ahead and making sure that they have the cultural dancing with music going on. You have to call anyway to make a reservation as this place is always packed! (Tel:24605907, open Sat-Thurs: noon-2:30pm, 7-11:30pm; Fri 1-3pm, 7-11:30pm))
Something I find even more impressive-whenever I withdraw money from my back account, I get a message in MERE SECONDS telling me the exact amount that has been deducted. Some may not find this impressive, but I sure do. We are living in incredible times and I don’t want to take such “small things” for granted.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This is just one of the small and many hints that we are living in the “last days”. 
Andy in Oman 