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.

Filed under:
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…

Filed under:
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.

Filed under:
Lunch, Travels by Courtney

I must play catch up over the next few days now that I’m back to the land of strong internet signal. I’ve checked off another continent and visited (too briefly) a land of one of my favorite cuisines, Morocco. Sitting atop the Cafe Darna in Marrakech’s square today, I enjoyed this simple salad of tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, and onion. While this sounds a bit mundane, the entire mixture was seasoned with not just salt and pepper, but very fresh cumin, which made this dish divine. Washed down with some of the sweetest lemon juice I’ve ever tasted, this pre-meal snack hit the spot on a hot afternoon.

Filed under:
Salad, Snack time, Travels by Courtney