Restaurant Review: Taste of Morocco in Silver Spring, Maryland

Most malls in America have a TGIFriday's or Ruby Tuesday jutting out from their facades. In Silver Spring, Maryland however, an exotic little treasure props itself on the corner of the main entrance to City Place Mall on Colesville Road. That place is Taste of Morocco.

Stepping into the restaurant is like being transported into the grand salon of a Moroccan home. Traditional banquet seating with the softest cushions and lush fabrics line the walls. Moroccan tiles are painted mural style on the walls with other traditional décor making it elegant, but not stuffy. White-clothed tables replace traditionally lower tables to relive diners from the awkward eating arrangement typical in Moroccan homes.

The staff provides true Moroccan hospitality with warm greetings and attentive service. Thankfully, they are spared from wearing any silly costumes that would detract from the class and style of the place. Immediately, they bring fresh loaves of bread and jet black olives glistening in spiced olive oil to the table for snacking on while perusing the menu.

The menu includes Moroccan Feast options with multiple courses and choices, but also has a full range of a la carte items from soups and salads to tagines and couscous. Start of with a bowl of harira, Morocco's national soup or the eggplant salad known as zaalouk. The bastilla is a perfect little chicken phyllo pie to share among the table.

For main courses, the meatball tagine or traditional chicken with olives and lemon are excellent choices. The spicy chicken tagine is perfect for those who like a little kick while the chicken with dates tagine provides a sweet and salty combination. If for no other reason than the ceremonious lifting of the conical tagine lid, at least one person should order a tagine.

The couscous selections are an excellent choice, and as good as it gets. Triple steamed the authentic Moroccan way; it's out of this world airy. Try the Royal for a little bit of everything including lamb, chicken, sausage and seven vegetables. This dish would make anyone reconsider ever eating the boxed stuff again.

The menu has plenty of vegetarian options so non-meat eaters won't feel limited by the choices. Other than the salads, the bastilla, tagines, and couscous all have delicious meatless options. Ending the meal with a pot of sweet mint tea and fresh fruits will round out the whole dining experience. How can anyone feel guilty about eating fruit for dessert?

Taste of Morocco has great atmosphere with even better Moroccan cuisine. It's out of the ordinary and chic without going overboard with over the top décor or silly antics. The Moroccan music in the background is a touch, yet not so loud as to drown out dinner conversation.

The prices are reasonable and the Moroccan Feasts offer a great value for a spectacular meal.
It's an excellent place for special occasions or just a departure from the run of the mill dinner out. Reservations are suggested on the weekends, especially in the evening hours when a belly dancer performs, but walk-ins are always welcome.

The restaurant is easy to find on 8661 Colesville RD. Silver Spring, MD, 20910. Call 301-588-4003 for directions and reservations or visit their website.