Potato and leek soup at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Very good.

Filed under:
Lunch, Travels by Courtney

London, indeed maybe all of Britain or the UK, seems to have a love affair with meat wrapped in pastry. From pasties to pies, you’re sure to see at least one of these concoctions on any pub menu. I’ve tried a couple of Steak and Ale pies since being here, and I dare say they might be on to something. Though I wish they’d just go ahead and douse the pie in gravy so I don’t have to wait for it to saturate through the flaky pastry, at which point it becomes soooo amazingly good. Only two data points, but The Mitre on Craven Hill has thus far beat out the Shakespeare in Victoria for the title of best pie. One evening soon I’ll try the ham and leek version, which will hopefully be as good as it sounds.

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Dinner, Travels by Courtney

How I wish I had remembered the name of this restaurant, because the food was good, but the terrace setting was even better. Light filtered in through the bamboo covering, beautiful artwork adorned the back wall, and as in any Moroccan building, beautiful tiles abounded. The kefta were a tad under spiced, but the addition of the piquant sauce made them taste wonderful, so I had to wonder if this was by design. The meal was served with all manner of sides, including grilled and fresh veggies, a perfectly cooked rice pilaf, and fries. Somewhere to the east of Place Jemaa El Fna, next to Cafe Ristorante Salle.

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Lunch, Travels by Courtney

Upon arriving at the Riad Kaiss in Marrakech, we were greeted by the manager and brought sweet snacks and mint tea. We’ve experienced this kind if hospitality in other French colonies (or former, as it were), and its something that just sets the tone for a wonderful stay. I wish everyone welcomed you to their city or hotel this way. After getting settled in our room, we were taken upstairs to a freshly prepared dinner. I started my meal with a quiche jamon, where I could see the French influence shining through. Next up was a completely Moroccan dish, tagine of chicken with lemon pickle. The salty, semi-sour yet semi-sweet pickle delighted my taste buds! It was must to cut it into tiny slumbers so I could enjoy it with every bite of tender chicken. Content and happy, I headed to bed dreaming of what the next day would bring…

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Dinner, Travels by Courtney

I had several tagines while in Morocco, but this was one of my favorites. Rabbit tagine, curry spices, tender braised onions and raisins that were as plump and tender as grapes. Coupled with a gorgeous “panoramique” view, it was a wonderful lunch.

At Cafe Darna, Marrakech, Morocco.

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Lunch, Travels by Courtney