For some, a pot
of chicken soup chases away the winter blues.
For others, only a plate of crusty-topped macaroni and cheese
will do.
And then there are the tagine lovers, who can’t get through the
season without lifting the clay lid off one of those stews and
breathing in the meaty, spicy aroma. For them, there is Marrakech
Moroccan & Mediterranean, a new restaurant that specializes
in Middle Eastern and Moroccan fare.
The chef and co-owner of this Cobble Hill newcomer, which opened
in November, is Bahija Elnourabit (pictured), who can’t serve
a huge crowd with just six tables, but is already doing a brisk
takeout business. In her romantic Hicks Street digs, where an
ornate carpet hangs on one brick-colored wall, rustic red tiles
cover the floor and candles flicker on the tables, she covers
all the Moroccan bases with aplomb.
There’s the house specialty: the tagine, a lusty meat or fish
stew served inside a conical clay pot. She offers couscous dishes,
and of course, baklava.
Middle Eastern choices include spinach pies, all the wonderful
salads and dips like the smoked eggplant spread, baba ghanoush,
and hummus, the chickpea dip served with warm pita bread.
The restaurant doesn’t have a liquor license, so BYOB; there’s
no corking fee.
Marrakech Moroccan & Mediterranean (144 Hicks St. between
Union and President streets in Carroll Gardens) accepts cash
only. Entrees: $10-$16. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner
daily. Take out available in surrounding neighborhoods. For more
information, call (718) 855-2633.
TAGINE DAYS
