Hawaii (State of) Restaurants

Casablanca.
19 Ho'olai Street in Kailua.
One of Kailua's best kept secrets is a little restaurant in my hometown called *Casablanca*
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Now to look at this place from the front, you wouldn't think much of it. There are about 20 small wooden tables that accept *walk-ins* for an evening meal, but the real Treasure of this restaurant is if you make a reservation. Then you are in for a total dining experience.. Moroccan Style!!
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Let me describe the meal for 4 ...
We arrived at 7pm, to be greeted by the restaurant Owner, who was dressed in the traditional *Foukia* from his country. We were ushered through the *front* , via a gracious orchid laden garden walk-way into the Back of the restaurant, which held a beautiful, rich room. It looked like a huge Bedouin tent inside. The whole ceiling was an enormous canopy of lush velvet. The room itself was about 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. Running around its perimeter, a wall of carpet in jeweled tones, a built in couch and about 200 throw pillows. Floor hassocks surrounded each round table very low to the ground.. (there were 15)
It reminded me of a Moroccan bazaar, or being lost on a desert trail and finding an oasis in the Sahara. I wouldn't have been surprised to see belly dancers appear. Then intice us to the Music gently seducing us into being transported to this magical land. It was wonderful to set the evening's atmosphere.
It's advisable to dress comfortably as *lounging* on the furniture, semi lying on the hassocks, and rearranging of the pillows lining the wall is highly encouraged. :)
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Our evening begins..
The young waiter entered. bowed politely, placed a menu and thick towel before each of us. The food is served in 5 courses, you choose your main entree.. The rest is set.
( It is a *Bring your own bottle* restaurant. We took 3 bottle of choice Merlot to accompany the evening's dining.) We all ordered something different..and the experience started...
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Before serving our dinner, the waiter brought an attractive pitcher (silver) filled with warm water, which had been scented with light perfume. He poured a little water over our fingers to wash them with, catching the water in the matching basin.. we towel dried our hands.. The host brought us a cork and wine glasses and served us our Merlot., and some chilled Ice water with lemon.
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The dinner starts with B'stilla. This dish is made of fine layers of almost transparent pastry (called 'waarka') and is stuffed with almonds, chicken finely chopped, and other sumptuous goodies..it was not unlike the pastries made with honey and almonds like the Middle Eastern Baklava.. Yummie!!!
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Our palettes were next delighted by the taste of fresh baked flat bread called Khubz. It was served with Tajine, a chicken stew simmered for hours in some magical spices.. It was delicious.
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For the main course..*WE* ordered rack of lamb, a smoked salmon, shrimp and minty lamb kebabs, and Moroccan beef. I say *we* because it is customary to eat the meal with your fingers ( except for the accompanying Couscous which is eating with a spoon) take a reasonable portion and then share it with your dinner companions so that they all savour something different. You pass your plates to the right and nod to your neighbor...in respect. The food portions were large and melt in your mouth.. by this time were feeling full...
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Our host wasn't done with us, and then brought in a light pastry desert and some hot mint tea, called Mekraj.. He served in squashed green glasses and delivered it Moroccan style by pouring it into the glasses from quite a height. It was light, refreshing and delicious..
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To end our evening, our hands were washed again, This is a mark of graciousness and hospitality. Then the restaurant owner appeared with a flask of frankincense and myrrh scented water.
He proceeded to bless us for our patronage by sprinkling some on each one of *his* guests and reciting a *Bismillah* (praise to god)
We were then left to savour the *magic* of the evening.. The whole experience lasted about 3 hours. I love resturants that add their special little touches that make dining in them a pleasure..this was one such place.
If you visit Oahu, don't miss it.
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The cost? The whole dining experience was $40.00 a person.
Well worth it ...bon appetite
Peace.
Kai

smoked salmon, shrimp and minty lamb kebabs,

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