Taste of Morocco- Silver Spring, MD
This is the first time I've had Moroccan food in the US, and I have to say, I was disappointed. Not that it was terrible, but overall it was just blah. To start, they bring you house bread and a plate of oil-cured olives that are in a nicely seasoned olive oil. I really enjoyed the seasoned olives and the bread, it came nice and warm to the table. Mmm...warm bread. I ordered the Cucumber salad and Harrira soup to start. The vinaigrette lacked salt and was overly citrusy. But, at least the tomatoes weren't mushy and the cucumbers were crunchy. The soup tasted like a bland minestrone, again it lacked salt. Now, the entree was the Chicken Tagine. In my mind, I pictured a colorful dish, full of flavors, delicious veggies, lemons and dates. When it came to the table, it was a chicken breast with a few carrots, onions and green olives. The only seasoning I tasted, or saw, the saffron. The presentation was quite depressing. The portion was small. I wasn't inspired to try their desserts and ended my meal at that point. What Taste of Morocco lacks in flavor, it made up for in ambiance. The restaurant is decorated nicely and you will feel like you're going to experience something good. I hope they invest in their food and they'll have a winning combination. I doubt that I'll go back again.
VeniVidiEdi
Jul 02, 2007 07:04PM
Thanks for your insightful report. I gather from your post that you are experienced in the ways of Moroccan food. Where else have you had it?
Some of us on the board really love Pyramids, a dive on the corner of 6th and Florida, NW. Would love to hear what you have to say about it. It's a tiny operation, and I don't even bother with the menu. If you go, I recommend the lamb tagine and make sure you get spinach, eggplant, and carrot salad as side dishes. They sometimes make a seafood b'stilla which is impressive. For that, you may have to call in advance. 202-232-6776.
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Thanks Steve! I will definitely have to try Pyramids. Dives always seem to have the best food huh? I've only had moroccan food in France, and it was always delicious. Too bad it's been a while since I've been back.
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We went when they first opened and really liked the place, thought the food was great. Returned a few months ago and were quite disappointed. Probably won't return again either. It wasn't horrible but there's far better food around for less money. Too bad too because I agree that the decor is quite nice.
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I have eaten at the Clarendon Taste of Morocco, but not the Silver Spring location. Most of the food was similarly uninspiring, but the chicken bastilla was quite good. I remember a crispy, flaky pastry shell dusted with cinnamon and sugar containing a hearty, savory filling.
Pyramids has better food, but is definitely a dive. I think the bastilla I had there was just as good. The prices are in line with the decor, but be aware they may not be accurately reflected in the menu, which was out of date at my last visit. It's an excellent cheap eat.
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