Archive for April, 2009

Top 10 Places To Eat When Traveling To Marrakech

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

Marrakech is a hot spot for Moroccan cuisine, serving all types of traditional dishes with Asian, French, and Italian influences. Each of the Top 10 restaurants has a distinct and alluring atmosphere all with there own unique signiture styles.

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Dar Moha

Tables are delicately set with rose petals and candlelight under the vibrant green banana palms. The Dar Moha is a unique restaurant with distinguished dining beside the crystal blue waters of a small mosaic tile pool, and a Majorelle blue wall amidst the greenery.  For nearly ten years the Dar Moha has been set apart from other fine Moroccan dining, set in Pierre Balmain’s former home.  Inside the rooms feature an Asian art decor. The chef, Mohammed Fedal offers a great menu that includes vegitarian dishes. The wait staff also speaks English.

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Catanzaro

This restaurant in highly acclaimed for its thin crust pizza baked over a wood fire. With a cozy atmosphere Catanzaro is one of Marrakech’s most popular restaurants. Along with serving pizza, the Catanzaro offers other fine Italian dishes. Adding a cultural flair to the quiet streets on the outskirts of Marrakech, the Catanzaro also has great affordable prices.

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Dar Yacout

Located in a medieval mansion the Dar Yacout is so grand it even has fireplaces in the bathrooms, mosaic floors, chandeliers and fountains. While costumers wait to be seated, they can sip drinks on Yacout’s rooftop terrace. Guests can enjoy the panaramic view of the Koutoubia mosque, while sprawled out on a sofa. Known for their lemon almond chicken tajine, and tasty desserts the Dar Yacout is a bit pricey, but it’s hard to find a more luxurious restaurant.

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Djemaa el Fna

Although the Djemaa el Fna is more of a marketplace, it is rated one of the Top 10 places to eat in all of Marrakech. The square is pulsing with culture filled with fresh orange juice vendors, and a variety of food stands. The square comes alive in the afternoon with Berber story-tellers, snake charmers, musicians and other forms of mystical entertainment to make a great atmosphere with great prices.

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Le Comptoir

Le Comptoir lures a feisty crowd with its belly dancers rhythmically carrying plates of Morocco’s traditional cuisine with French and Asian influences. Le Comptoir is a mix of a lounge and boutique with an upstairs bar, lounge cushions, and deep red walls.

Rights Managed

Le Marrakchi

Le Marrakchi has it all. Great food, moderate prices, candlelight, dancers, great music, intricate mosiac walls and best of all a Panaramic view of the Djemaa el Fna. If you call for a reservation at Le Marrakchi you can request a table by the window to watch the rich Moroccan culture below. At Le Marrakchi you can also try out the local beer of Casablanca and some of the finest local and imported wines.

 

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Le Foundouk

Le Foundouk is a Morroccan restaurant with a French twist, offering both countries traditional cuisine. Dining on the rooftop terrace makes for both a lovely sunkissed lunch and a peaceful dinner under the stars. The terrace has breathtaking views of Marrakech.  Lantern guides lead costumers in and out of the restaurant and through the narrow streets of the medina.

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Al Fassia

Al Fassia has a distant view of the Atlas Mountains, and also overlooks the Aguedal gardens. There is just something about the atmosphere that is beyond majestic. The meals are A la Carte, and served fresh by Al Fassia’s team of cooks.

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Chez Chegrouni

Chez Chegrouni has box seats out infront of the restaurant for the Djemaa el Fna, but is not to be mistaken for a tourist spot. Inside the restaurant lacks all the frills and decor of some of the other Top 10 spots, but the locals and the tourists divide for some classic Moroccan cuisine.

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Jnane Tamsna

A calm get-a-way from the hustle and bustle of the streets of Marrakech, the Jnane Tamsna is a great dining experience with Moroccan-Mediterranean cuisine made from the organic gardens of the villa. The Jnane mission is to blend with local culture and provide a fresh perspective.

 

 

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Moroccan Spice Tour: From Souks to the Plate- Essentials For Moroccan Cooking

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

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Exotic aromas of ginger, coriander, and cinnamon mingle in the streets. Fine mounds of spices tower like sand pyramids in the dusty souks of Morocco.  Deep red paprika, vibrant yellow turmeric, beige sesame, green olives and lemons layer in eye catching patterns.

One of the largest markets for Moroccan spices is in Agadir. The spices are customarily displayed in metal tins, woven baskets or plastic tubs. Each dose is weighed individually and sold in a modest paper bag.

Medicinal Properties

Herb specialists in the souks have a wealth of knowledge of the medicinal benefits of the array of red, orange and yellow spices. Cumin, in between a rust and gold color, has been utilized as a stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, sedative, digestive and also a remedy for colic and dyspeptic headaches. Saffron along with its pungent flavor and sharp odor is said to cure asthma, and some herbalists claim it contains anti-cancer properties. Cinnamon is known to have antibacterial entities and turmeric along with exhibiting strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidants also helps slow the process of food spoiling.

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While many spices were emported from the East they also originate throughout the Mediterranean and can be specifically found in Morocco. Saffron, which is often used when cooking white meats, poultry and lamb, is native from Tiliouine. Saffron is difficult to cultivate because it must be picked by hand, and for every one gram it requires 140 of the violet blue flowers. Lemons and oranges originate in Fez, and olives and mint derive from Meknes. Some other widespread spices are also home grown: cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, mint, pepper, ginger, paprika, sesame seed, anis seed, coriander, and parsley.

Dessert

Spices are the heart of Moroccan cooking, and are crucial for making a couscous or a tajine, two popular Moroccan dishes, they are also used sparingly in many desserts. Halwa shebakia, a Moroccan delicacy, is a type of honey cake. Its pretzel-like pieces of dough deep-fried and dipped into a hot pot of honey are then sprinkled with sesame seeds. The ingredients also include a teaspoon of turmeric and ground cinnamon. Saffron is also commonly used in desserts (milk, yogurt, puddings) and teas.

Mint-Tea Fresh

Not only a breath freshener, mint is also served as an herbal remedy with soothing tendencies. Traditionally while Moroccans pour their tea they raise the steaming pot high above the glass, when the tea bubbles it insures its freshness. Mint tea is also customarily served in small shots. While negotiating prices in the souks, it is common that bargainers will be offered some mint tea.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Morocco Travel at its Best: The Top 10 Riads and Hotels in Marrakech

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

You have dreamed of traveling to Morocco, of exploring the colorful souks of Marrakech and sampling the Moroccan cuisine, but where to stay during your trip?  Below are listen 10 of Marrakech’s most luxrious and breath-takingly gorgeous hotels and riads.  Whether you are looking for the ultimate in sophistication, a private getaway for you and your lover, or the perfect starting place for an out-door Moroccan adventure, these hotels have something to offer everyone…

La Mason Arabe

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La Mason Arabe, a hotel located in medina of Marrakech, is the picture of elegance and indulgence. The hotel itself, a restored Moroccan riad, is built around two flower-filled patios and has 9 rooms and 8 suites, two restaurants, an impeccably blue swimming pool, luxury spa, and a cooking school. Using Moroccan materials and techniques handed down over the centuries gifted Moroccan craftsmen returned the old riad back to its original and spectacular form.

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The rooms in La Mason Arabe, many with fireplaces and private terraces, each have a unique layout and embody the exotic and colorful styles of Moroccan décor. With brightly colored bedspreads and pillows with intricate beading set against the stark white of the walls and the deep earthen ceilings make for an aesthetic view while the bathrooms, no two alike, are designed using Moroccan marble and granite.

Riad Kniza

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This small luxury hotel dating back to the 18th century is located at the heart of the medina in Marrakech and has been completely restored by world-renowned antique dealer Haj Mohamed. The Riad Kniza has eleven tastefully decorated rooms built around three courtyards with a view of the Moroccan sky. Each room has a satellite TV, air conditioning, and free WiFi connections.

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The restaurant at Riad Kniza, with only nine tables either in the restaurant or under the night sky on the roof terrace, offers a romantic and intimate atmosphere for diners who wish to taste the freshest of Moroccan cuisine.

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The hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Jema L’Fna Square where visitors can explore the colorful souks, sample the sweet mint tea, and delight in the story tellers and snake charmers Jema L’Fna Square has to offer.

Amanjena

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Amanjena, meaning “peaceful paradise”, offers 32 spacious private pavilions, eight with private pools, and all with multi-faceted high domes, and wood-burning sunken fires to set the mood. Each terrace has a private pillared gazebo with cushions making it the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the Moroccan night. Surrounded by the lush greens of the olive grove and fruit trees, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and the buzzing activity of the medina of Marrakech the Amanjena offers the utmost in luxury and indulgence.

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Amanjena offers something for everyone, from fine Moroccan and international cuisine at their dinner restaurant, two clay tennis courts with an arched central pavilion for refreshments, a timber-floor gym for recreation, and a hammam for those looking for some rest and relaxation.

Kasbah Le Mirage

The Kasbah Le Mirage is a hotel like no other. Located 4km from Marrakech facing the Palmeraie and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains the Kasbah Le Mirage sits at the heart of traditional mud-walled houses on the banks of the River Tensift. The last few meters to the hotel are traveled on foot on a dusty trail that leads guests to the vast reception hall on an ocre patio and luscious indoor gardens. Luxurious and unsurpassed hotel service, spa treatments, and fine dining is combined with outdoor activities such as quad-biking, archery, and horse riding to make the Kasbah a unique and fabulous experience.

La Sultana, Marrakech

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La Sultana Marrakech is located in the heart of the “golden triangle”, at the entrance of the city walls, next to the royal palaces, and right next to the famous Jema El Fna Square. La Sultana is a member of Small Luxury Hotels and Great Hotels of the World and lives up to its reputation with its 28 sophisticatedly decorated rooms and marble-filled bathrooms. Panoramic terraces complete with a misted solarium, bar, gazebo, and open air massage room only add to the elegance and indulgence of this 5 star hotel. With its flowered patios and blossoming orange trees La Sultana makes for the perfect romantic getaway.

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Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Spa

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The drive up to the Sofitel is elegant enough, a palm tree lined driveway surrounding a magnificent fountain leads visitors up to the magnificent arched entrance. The 346 rooms and suites, each tastefully decorated in Moroccan décor, offer guests the ultimate luxury and comfort and a view of the Atlas Mountains, pool, or gardens. The spa at Sofitel offers guests the traditional black soap scrubs, body wraps, ghassoul clay, and Berber facial treatments. Those wishing to experience the Marrakech night life will be please to know that Sofitel boasts three bars and is in close proximity to a night club. With Sofitel’s luxury spa waiting for you upon your return don’t hesitate to dance the night away.

Jnane Salmia

Jnane Salmia is a luxurious privately owned villa located in Palmerie, a short drive from the center of Marrakech. The villa is perfect for a family, group of friends, or the rooms can be rented out individually. The main house is comprised of five stunning bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms and balconies overlooking the luscious gardens. The second house contains two bedrooms each with a bathroom, and sitting room with a common sitting room joining the two. Each house has its own private swimming pool allowing guests to soak up the Moroccan sun in the cool clear water.

Meals are created for the guests exclusively by the resident chef whose cooking is a fusion of European and Moroccan cuisines. Visitors dine on exquisite meals in the luscious gardens of olive trees, rosemary, lavender, and jasmine that surround their villas. For the ultimate private escape visit Jnane Salmia, Marrakech.

Dar Les Cigognes

This luxury boutique hotel, located in the medina in Marrakech, was created from two riads which are connected by a bridge over a small alleyway. With just 11 rooms Dar Les Cigognes guarantees its visitors superb personal service in their Moroccan chic rooms complete with canopied beds and lavish bathrooms.

Meals, snacks, and drink are provided for guests when and where they please, either in one of the many bhous, out in the courtyards, or under the Moroccan sky on the roof terrace. Local and fresh ingredients are used to make the finest in Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine that is sure to excite and satisfy any taste bud.

Ksar Char-Bagh

Ksar Char-Bagh is located just 6km from the medina in Marrakech and is situated in the heart of a palmgrove.  With only 12 Harim suites and one apartment, each extravagantly decorated Ksar Char-Bagh offers superb and personalized service.  The Harims, which means small apartment within a palace, are sensually decorated with low-lighting Moroccan lamps, intricately embroidered pillows, and deep marble baths.  The hotel itself was inspired by 14th century Moorish architecture and running water, symbolising the rivers of paradise, run both inside and out.  With a magnificent palm tree lined pool surrounded by luxurious lounge chairs, guests are invited to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Moroccan sun.

Terre Resort and Spa

This luxury resort and spa is based on the traditional Moroccan riad-style architecture but has added its own twist by using an 8-sided octogone shape for its buildings rather than the traditional 4-sided.  This octogone theme is incorporated throughout the resort, from its 18 private 8-sided villas to its octogone hammam and 8-hand massage.

The Terre spa incorporates a holistic and non-invasive approach to its rejuvinizing and restorative facials and massage therapies.  The hammam itself is a peaceful oasis that allows guests a break from their chaotic routines and a chance to relax and cleanse with the traditional Moroccan steam bath.

The ten hotels listed above are among Marrakech‘s most luxurious and elegent hotels.  Each one steeped in the rich Moroccan history and culture they provide their guests with the perfect place to begin and end their Moroccan adventures.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca: A Morocco Travel Special with Piano Bar & Old Hollywood Dining Experience

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

The 1942 classic Hollywood movie Casablanca is full of romance and political espionage set against a backdrop of wartime conflict in Casablanca, Morocco. Deceit, danger, love, and betrayal are all common themes in this critically acclaimed and Academy Award winning film starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid. Its characters, dialogue, and music have become iconic in the film world and Casablanca is now considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

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Rick’s Café Americain, the gin-joint owned by the bitter and cynical Rick Blaine (Bogart) in the movie, was an upscale nightclub and gambling den that attracted the likes of French and Nazi officials, thieves, and refugees. This rough and tumble joint played a central part in the movie Casablanca and, thanks to one woman, the fantasy place has now become a reality…

The Real Rick’s Café

In an old courtyard-style mansion set against the walls of the Old Medina in Casablanca the mythical Rick’s Café was brought to life by one woman’s dream to demonstrate true American values. Kathy Kriger worked for the US embassy but, following 9/11, decided that she wanted to leave the government, stay in Morocco, and pursue her dream of recreating Rick’s Café from the legendary Casablanca movie. After two years of development and building, in 2004, Rick’s Café finally opened its doors to rave reviews.

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Music Nights at Rick’s Café

The extraordinary pianist Issam Chabaa sits in the grand piano bar at Rick’s Café surrounded by architecture and decorative details reminiscent of the famous gin-joint from the film. Visitors sit and enjoy the music at elaborate tables surrounded by curved arches, balconies, a sculpted bar, and elaborately beaded and stenciled brass lighting. Four fireplaces and tables with a view of the fishing port add elegance and ambience to this upscale joint.

Chabaa can be found playing music reminiscent of the 40’s and 50’s nightly from Tuesday through Sunday including classic French, Spanish, and Brazilian songs. The famous “Time Goes By” song from the Casablanca movie is inevitably played several times a night and, with the lyrics up on the café’s website, patrons are more than welcome to help Chabaa sing along.

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Jam Sessions at Rick’s Café

Rick’s café also hosts jam sessions every Sunday night, inviting artists, both local and foreign, the chance to hop onstage and showcase their talents. Jazz is widely appreciated in Casablanca and Rick’s Café offers yet another venue for jazz musicians to practice their art.

Don’t forget the food!

The international menu at Rick’s Café specializes in Casablanca’s fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit. The full menu offers three-course meals such as goat cheese salad with figs and roasted salmon with tomato vinaigrette all to be finished off with Rick’s famous cheese cake. As well as the set menu the chef also offers a specials menu that changes daily.

Let the Drinks Flow

The champagne never seemed to stop flowing in the film Casablanca and at Rick’s Café there is certainly no shortage of it with champagne by the glass a staple on the bar menu. Along with the champagne a full range of spirits and cocktails are offered, including the special house cocktail, the Sour Jdid, a delicious mixture of whiskey sour with red vermouth, mashed lemons, and a splash of sparkling water. This delicious and unique cocktail, named after the Boulevard Sour Jdid where Rick’s Café is located, has proven to be a hit and, is so refreshing, that it is offered as a two-for-one deal! I guess you really can’t drink just one.

The combination of the elegant atmosphere, nostalgic music, excellent food, and the fully-stacked bar make visitors feel as though they have stepped back in time and into a scene of Casablanca that they just might not want to leave.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.