Night in Morroco @ Mataam Fez

b'stella


FINALLY, after possibly years of planning, I made it to Mataam Fez in Denver with Olivia and Moody. It's a little hidden bit of Morocco sitting on Colfax. I would very much like to gut my apartment and make it look like the restaurant but I don't think my landlord would appreciate it. (Maybe he would, who knows.)
I of course love anywhere that I get to sit on the floor.
After they come rinse your hands with warm water, the first of the 5 courses of food starts coming out.

First course- lentil soup; I also got a drink called Marakesh, with rose something, red and plum wine. Pretty strong, pretty good, and just pretty.

Second course- potatoes with vinegar and other herbs and spices, spicy carrots, eggplant with garlic, spinach, tomatoes, hummus-like thing made from fava beans, and bread. Also, shredded carrots with raisins, apple and rose water. It was totally amazing.

Third course- b'stella, possibly my new favorite food. (Along with the carrots.) Flaky pastry dough filled with chicken, eggs, almonds, and spices; covered with powdered sugar and cinnamon. I could have eaten the whole thing, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Fourth course- the main dishes; Olivia got the cous cous and vegis. Moody got his bunny in a spicy sauce. I tried it, it was pretty good. I got the honey and almond roasted cornish hen, topped with an apricot. Another one of the yummiest things I've ever eaten. Perfectly cooked and tender and the honey flavor is sweet and savory. The apricot was a nice treat.

Finally, the fifth course- After washing our hands again, and getting sprinkled with rose water, compliments of my friend Radouane, we had a plate of fresh fruit and warm mint green tea. If you've ever been you've likely seen them balance the glasses and pour in the steaming tea; Rad first balanced a cup on his arm and flipped it over without spilling, then he balanced one on his head and poured in the tea. The tea tastes surprisingly like a warm mojito...awesome.

Along with a little bellydancing and laughing it was a splendid evening, and once I've saved my pennies up again I'll definitely have to go back. My brain is full of the flavors and I'm already craving b'stella and honey hen again.