Marrakech Gourmet

504 North 33rd Street (Just south of Cali Taco)
Omaha, NE 68136
402.502.0739
Open daily 11am to 11pm, and they deliver up to four miles.
marrakechgourmetomaha.com 

Moroccan Mint Tea

To profess my love for Marrakech after just one visit feels a little premature. Like proposing after just one date. Or cumming after just one minute. I need to feel this place out a little more, sample more of their affordable small plates, another rice-y, spicy tagine, and heck, maybe even a Moroccan panini. I can firmly vouch for the fruit and custard tart, which acted as a cool and delicately sweet palate cleanser after the piquant main course. And the Zaalouk (stewed eggplant ragu and pita appetizer) was the most refreshing and flavorful presentation of eggplant I've had in a while. We can't forget the Lentil and Ginger Soup, a puree with texture and pleasant spices. In the Lamb Tagine, I appreciated that the "seasonal vegetables" were more than the routine red pepper and zucchini mix that usually turns up. Instead, it was a game of Name That Veggie, plus other stuff like dates and kumquats (I'm pretty sure). The New Zealand lamb (free range, natural) was falling off the bones. Plus it came in a cool clay pot.

Lamb Tagine--
Ask for a side of spicy sauce.

Amongst communal-style tables, and worn trinkets juxtaposed with the newness of the bar and floor tile, spices permeated the air, and they weren't afraid to crank up the Afrobeat. The twenty or so visits to our table by the chef and server were borderline overbearing, and even with all of their doting, the appetizers and entrees were basically served together, so their timing might suck a bit. I would recommend dusting off your finest bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape from your cellar (you have one, right?) and heading in soon, as this is normally a BYOB. Speaking of dates, if I could get one I would go here this week, since they're offering a special five-course meal for two and a couple glasses of bubbly for just $75 in honor of Saint Valentine. Shoot, I might just go by myself.

Zaalouk--
Eggplant ragu and pita

Lentil and Ginger Puree

Fruit Tart--
Maybe you'll be lucky and score a slice for free like we did.

Casablanca Moroccan Cafe

3025 Farnam Street

Omaha, NE 68131

(402) 884-3362

Closed Mondays and between lunch and dinner

Lots of raving about this place, including the recent feature in the Reader, allowed our expectations to soar. Unfortunately, I'm still a little confused about the hype. Gratis hummus and salad were served immediately, both in large bowls with no side plates or serving spoons, so let's hope your dining mates don't have cooties or Hep C. The chef then came out and dissuaded us from ordering off the menu, promising to "take good care of us" if we just let him make us something. We didn't really have much of a choice. 

Half hour later out came the big ole bowl of rice, rice, and more rice, topped with grilled meats, potatoes and veg. Another twenty minutes later and the falafel arrived--three patties cut in half on a plate, dry and overcooked as could be, which was a shame because though the spices were flavorful, it was difficult to swallow, seriously. Sliced strawberries and grapes at the end helped to quench our thirst from all the dry food. All this for only $11 per person, but we left kinda scratching our heads, vowing to maybe try the sandwiches some day, if the chef will let us. 

Chef's Special with Rice, Grilled Peppers, Sweet and Russet Potatoes, Beef, Chicken and Shrimp

Falafel