CrowdSavings

Morocco; distant land steeped in exotic history, rich in allure and dusky mystery. Sadly for most of us this most sultry of North African countries will forever remain a far off promise, a spot on the map. However, one aspect of Morocco we can now sample at first-hand is the lavish cuisine thanks to the recent opening of the Marrakech Restaurant.

For a country renowned for exotic ingredients – mint, olives, lemons, saffron, dates, pomegranates and nuts – you’d expect the nation’s culinary arts to reflect these, and with one look at the Marrakech’s varied and encompassing menu you aren’t disappointed.

From the Harira Soup consisting of tomato, onion, cilantro, garbanzo’s, lentils, pasta, diced beef, and finished with eggs and a myriad of spices, to the Beet Charmola Salad with cold beets tossed in lemon juice, garlic and sprinkled with cumin, every scent holds a new aroma, each bite a revelation.

Most popular of all are the Tagine’s – rich stews cooked and served in heavy clay pots. Standouts include the Menara Tagine of tender lamb shanks braised with onions and dried prunes, served with toasted almonds, sesame seeds and hard-boiled eggs, and the Kenitra Tagine with Cornish hen, caramelized onions, dry raisins, and toasted almonds.

The restaurant itself is impeccably presented in full Moroccan décor, replete with banquet seating and traditional Moroccan tables and stools, custom built and imported from Casablanca – it really is one of Tampa’s most exotic and inspiring restaurants.