Episode VIII: Morocco

After some recent editing of our African locations, we were thrilled to find a restaurant from a country where we'd originally planned to eat.  Marrakech Moroccan Cafe and Grill was located off Central Ave near NE Minneapolis and was surrounded by several other African delicatessens.  The walls were covered with Moroccan paintings and tapestries.  The menu was void of any typical American dishes, so we asked the friendly waitress for her suggestions on the most authentic Moroccan chow they had to offer. 

The meat/bread appetizer

What she gave us was fantastic.  For Christina, she suggested the Lamb Tagine, an on-the-bone sheep dish covered in a stew type sauce complete with potatoes, peas and carrots.  For Zack she recommended the Bistella, which was billed as a sweet and savory chicken and vegetable dish baked between a tasty crust.

What it turned out to be was so much more. 

The Mint Tea

Before the main courses arrived, the waitress brought out a pot of refreshing mint tea and
a plate of bread with a thick broth of meat soup for dipping.  The bread managed to soak up the juice while simultaneously scooping the meat out, which made for a delicious and unexpected appetizer.

After quickly enjoying a pot of tea and the meat and bread, we received our main courses.  Holy McMoley.  The Lamb came out first and was swimming in vegetables and broth.  The meat practically fell off the bone and exploded with just enough spice to make you feel it, but allowed enough rooms for the taste buds to enjoy the rest. 

The lamb tagine (closest) and bistella (farthest)

The Bistella was unlike any main course either of us had eaten before, and it was fantastic.  The outer crust was covered with some light cinnamon sugar (or so we think.)  The chicken and veggies were packed beneath the layers of crust and blended perfectly, somehow, with the crust to create what was nothing short of a fireworks display of taste.  Zack declared it to be his favorite TCGC dish on the spot. 

The decision was made to share the dishes, which we slowly, slowly devoured, along with a second pot of tea.  For anyone who likes Moroccan, African, or great food in general, please check out the Marrakech Moroccan Cafe and Grill.  And be sure to get the bistella.  We don't want to oversell it, but it'll be better than ten Super Bowls.

Moroccan food Mor-rocked happiness to our St. Paul/Minneapolis.