We seem to have a habit of discovering true local gems!
Red Marrakech is one of those.
You probably wouldn't normally look twice at the row of shops opposite Bottle Tops on Ayres Road, most of them are in need of a little spruicing up and TLC, but a few months ago, Red Marrakech sprang up, with its bright and colourful sign and raised the bar on more than one level.
Traditional home-cooked Moroccan food to order. Something you can't get that often, something we now can't get enough of!
It's an exercise in exploring Moroccan cuisine, with a menu stuffed to bursting.
Tajines and couscous take centre stage with meat brochettes and fresh fish dishes playing spectacular supporting roles. There are also some less Moroccan offerings for the less adventurous (burgers, pasta, pizza) but if you're into food, you'll look straight past them at the main attractions.
The made-in-front-of-your-eyes flat-bread is incredible, crispy and fresh, light and delicious and complements the other meals just so well.
First up, Lamb Tajine. Succulent and tender, falling off the bone, richly flavoured with some apricot and prune to complement the saffron and turmeric and lightly spiced to perfection. Roasted almonds sit in the sauce, adding a crunch.
Then the Chicken Tajine. Juicy and sweet, large chicken leg & thigh, coming away so easily from the bones, complemented by being cooked with green olives & lemon rind. Truly an epic dish, perfect to share and a generous portion.
The Chicken Brochetes (grilled chicken skewers) were also brilliant, spicy but not too hot, rounded and exciting to the palate with some kind of spiced mayonnaise or yoghurt on the side.
Next up, we shared a Tajine Kofta De Lahm which was home-made meatballs in a tomato and herb sauce. Again the spice touch on this dish was done with finesse and the flavours balanced really well.
Finally, a side-order of sautéed mushrooms in garlic & parsley was exactly what it claimed to be and tasted wonderful.
Meal for 4 adults and 2 kids stuffed to bursting: £32 which to my mind is awesome value.
Suffice to say: you won't regret coming here, the meals are gorgeous, the owners friendly and welcoming, it's almost as if they have asked you for dinner at their house and it won't bankrupt you either.
We keep going back, torn between here and Tibetan Kitchen! read more