This is a long overdue review of a fantastic meal I had when I was last in Paris. Located in the 9th arrondissement just under the the incredible Sacre Couer is the little gem, Wally Le Saharien. Head into the dining room through luxurious drapes, you'll be transported to another place (as if Paris wasn't fabulous enough). Low lighting, exotically and richly decorated, the ambiance is intimate and like a warm embrace on a cold winter night. You're likely to be greeted by one of the charming owners who make you feel as if you've been invited to friend's for dinner as opposed to eating out.
And the food? Spicy, slow-cooked, delectable goodness. With a choice of prix-fixe (meat or vegetarian) or ala carte, there is certainly no lack of choice. The prix-fixe (non-veggie) dinner menu begins with a trio of starters: spicy soup, stuffed and grilled sardines and a savory pastilla of pigeon in puff pastry (that combines the flavors and textures of savory meat, crunchy pastry and sweet spices. I learned that the traditional dish in Morocco or other parts of Northern Africa is typically made with squab or pigeon meat, while in the US, you're likely to see chicken substituted instead. This was by far my most favorite thing that I ate). Next comes couscous with a méchouia (slow-cooked tart) of lamb dusted with an optional coating of sugar, which of course I had to have. When in Rome... but it turns out that the sugar brings out the savoriness and richness of the meat and while I don't typically like a sweet and savory combination in my food, in this case it truly took the meal to the next level. You'll also get Merguez, a cumin-laden spicy sausage from North Africa, which apparently factors importantly into any Moroccan meal (as do homemade pastries).
The portion sizes were ample and there was much-too-much food for me to finish everything on my plate-- a fact that I was unbelievably disappointed by. Each course got better and better and by the end of the meal i was not only completely satiated but wishing i could start again. We skipped dessert but enjoyed a traditional sweet mint tea which was the perfect culmination to a perfect meal. read more