Hollywood Dining Section

Dar Maghreb

By Veronika Lazabal

Who would have thought that down Sunset Blvd., just past the glitter of Hollywood, lay an escape to ancient Arabia? Arriving at the entrance to Dar Maghreb Moroccan restaurant, you may not even realize that it’s a public place. A large white building with only a handful of raised gold Arabic letters on its facade, it seems almost intimidating…more like it should be rising out of the desert sand than standing on a sturdy hunk of concrete. When the doors- massive works of hand-hammered brass- open, it becomes even more apparent that this is no average eatery. What lies beyond those doors is a portal to a far away land and a culture as exotic as its food. The courtyard and restaurant are exact scaled replicas of The Alhambra- a Moorish castle in Spain. Spectacular hand made tiles adorn the walls and floor. The courtyard is open to the starlit sky, and a splashing fountain is up lit in the center. Another magnificent set of doors leads to the restaurant’s interior. More tiles glisten on the walls. The tables are low lying carved slabs surrounded by sumptuous pillows.

The dinning experience can be equated to that of being invited into the home of a wealthy Moroccan family. Belly Dancers drift between tables. Beautiful music surrounds you. A finely dressed waiter washes your hands with basins of warm water before inviting you to recline against the pillows and enjoy a Moroccan feast. And feast really is the best word to describe the seven splendid courses laid before you. There are usually two or three set menus to choose from; the price is $37 per person. (Children are half price) All of the menus begin with harira, a traditional middle-eastern lentil soup, followed by b’stilla. This Moroccan appetizer is a light flakey pastry filled with chicken, spices, and almonds. The rest of the menu varies, but include such delicacies as chicken tagine (a slow cooked chicken made with lemons and olives), roast squab with almonds and raisins, braised lamb with honey and plums, couscous with roasted vegetables, marinated grilled shrimp, roasted turkey, and brochette of marinated beef loin.

The food is plentiful, and is followed by a fruit and nut platter. The final course of the evening is a plate of Moroccan cookies and mint tea, served by a waiter standing about five feet above the tiny glass. Never a drop is spilled.

It’s hard to decide the most intriguing part of Dar Maghreb. The restaurant itself is spectacular. From the intricate tile-work to the hand wrought doors and tables, the scenery will leave you breathless. The dancers making their way around the room are talented and enthusiastic. The service is friendly and attentive. The food is delicious- rich flavors, bountiful courses. Perhaps the most intriguing part…is that it manages to blend all of these into one night. Maybe you don’t need 1,001 after all.

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