|
Few
of us ever get closer to Morocco than the 1940s
classic movie "Casablanca." But, miraculously,
a little piece of Morocco called Bistro Le Casanova
has made the long trip to Taipei. Located in Tianmu,
it is currently Taiwan's only chance at authentic
French-Moroccan cuisine.
The name Casanova promises romantic dining, but
there is much more than love in the air. Proprietors
Abdel and Eva Makdad have painstakingly created
an out-of-culture experience. They've essentially
transplanted an entire Moroccan restaurant, complete
with a native chef (Abdel). After reclining on
silk upholstery, grooving to Arab pop tunes, and
being met by Moroccan ceramic crafts at every
turn, you begin to ask yourself if you got here
by scooter or camel.
Don't expect to find spaghetti on the menu here.
Salad Marocaine makes an eye-pleasing starter
with its marinated bell pepper, tomato and onion
fashioned into a perfect disk. Other appetizers
include French favorites like Escargots de Bourgogne
and Calamar Frits.
The most popular entrees are unquestionably Moroccan.
Meat is first sauteed in spices and then slow-cooked
in a tajine for three to four hours. A tajine
is a tall cone-shaped crock pot; its unique shape
directs the steamed-off stock straight back into
the center of the meat. Chicken, beef and lamb
tajine dishes (NT$425 to NT$495) turn out extremely
savory and tender. A major tajine hit is the Lamb
Couscous With Seven Vegetables (NT$595). Again,
the tajine does its magic by saturating the couscous
with meat and vegetable juices. All entrees come
with soup.
For an extra NT$180, patrons can add an appetizer,
dessert and drink. Even if the main course fills
you to bursting, you'll want to make room for
creamy desserts like Floating Island or Banana
Flambe. But save the best for last with a hot
pot of authentic Moroccan mint tea. Parties of
up to 20 can be accommodated.By
Joe Parrino Translated by Jenny Munkholm
|
