Belly dancers at OPUS Bar's Arabian Nights Street Party
A tireless weekend of eating and drinking in Rabat, Morocco two summers ago turned me on to Arabian delicacies like couscous, lamb stew, and bastilla (a chicken-filled pastry with sugar and cinnamon – to die for – pictured at left).
Last Friday night at OPUS’ 8th Annual Street Party, ‘Arabian Nights’, the ethnic snacks, exotic dancing, and endless drinks took me back to those warm, festive soirees.
Appies, including merguez sandwiches (below), were served to guests celebrating and drinking Cardamom Sours on Hamilton Street.
Former mayor Sam Sullivan receiving a warm welcome to the street party
OPUS President & CEO John Evans presenting UNICEF's Martha Spears with a $10,000 donation
Next came the party’s pinnacle event held at Elixir Bistro…
The Moroccan inspired spread commenced with a mezze platter (a selection of appetizers) served with Hendrick’s Gin Mint Iced Tea. On the plate were marinated artichokes, calamata olives, and a refreshing green salad with orange:
Course #2: Red Snapper Tajine & fennel scented with saffron in a tangy, drinkable broth:
*Low quality due to emergency iPhone camera usage
The main course arrived in two parts. First, fresh couscous with caramelized onions (which were so flavorful, they could’ve been eaten solo), plump raisins, and sauteed red peppers:
And second, a Moroccan Style Lamb Stew containing chickpeas, tomatos, and cilantro. Together, they were sweet & savory, comforting, and heavenly:
Best for last (as usual), a platter of Maghrebi pastries washed down with intensely sweet mint tea:
My favorite nutty squares (far corner) were sweet, spicy, and addictive.
Thank you to the superb team from Hawksworth Communications and Elixir Bistro’s talented Executive Chef, Felix Turianskyj, for the lavish dinner that had me dreaming of the Middle East.
You should follow me on Twitter or read about the time I tested seven burgers for a Yaletown contest, here.
Ciao for now.
It's To Die For Banana Bread à la Urge Chocolates
{ 1 comment }
this is awesome man
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