Let’s see, where are we? If it’s Wednesday it must be Morocco. Hector cannot live by Tagine alone, though a Lamb Tagine and a Lamb Curry are not too distant relatives. Hopefully, Outstanding Curry will be procured on this trip but the omens were never that good for Marrakech. The only guaranteed source of The Favoured Food was Les Jardins de Bala, located on the roof terrace of Hotel Les Jardins De La Koutoubia (26 Rue De La Koutoubia, Medina, 40000 Marrakech, Maroc), on the western side of the Medina near to the largest minaret. One cannot miss it. Hector and Marg found it no problem in daylight, by night everything had moved. The entrance appeared to be blocked by a large chair, fear not – Go Boldly into the Hotel, one will be fetched and put in the elevator to the roof terrace.
The setting of Les Jardins de Bala is spectacular. The aforementioned minaret is well illuminated. The pool and interior courtyard of the Hotel also lend their ambience to this magnificent setting. One learns quickly in Marrakech, do not be put off by the street, what lies behind the entrances to buildings can be breathtaking. Try Narwana for a drink next door, or more Thai Food if this venue does not suffice.
Four other couples were in situ as we arrived just on 21.00. It is Ramadan, sunset @20.00 means The Locals have had neither food or drink all day. Cleverly, the Moroccan authorities have put the clocks back to GMT over this period, it is dark earlier. Those inclined to do so have gone to pray, for the tourists, it is time – To Dine.
The French Menu at the door had convinced the Hector that something approaching Lamb Curry would be available. For those who take the Chicken route, the Menu was heading further East. Les Jardins de Bala advertises itself as an Indian and Asian Restaurant.
Bier and Wine were available, as ever Hector chose the Sparkling Water, ice cold. Two small Poppadoms were presented, the classic European Poppadoms with embedded Cummin Seeds. Always a good welcome. Starters were blanked, the appetite takes a while to recover in desert heat. 50 Dirhams (£3.30) for a Raita did look Suspicious. No Lamb Chops.
The Menu was now in English. Lamb Rogan Josh and a Keema Naan for Hector. Lamb Massaman plus a Garlic and Coriander Naan for Marg.
During the wait, Marg was all along the rooftop taking in the views. Regardless of the quality of the Curry, this venue was a winner. Don’t get your hopes up, Hector!
Yes, it’s that time of year, again…
Lamb Rogan Josh
Around half a dozen good sized pieces of Lamb were smothered in a thin sauce then topped with Chunky Vegetables – half-cooked Onions, Fresh Tomatoes, Chillies, and Four Pieces of the Offending Vegetable. Lots of Ballast. I had asked for Spicy, it was. The Lamb and Sauce had just met at the moment one was poured over the other. The Lamb was chewy and gave off no Flavour (other than Lamb) which was disappointing in the Land of Slow Cooked Lamb. The Capsicum was set aside.
Whatever Curry actually is, one has to accept this interpretation. Had the Onions and Tomatoes been cooked into the Sauce, then a Masala could easily have been created. There had to be a Marrakech Curry, this was it. I cannot say it was great, I cannot say it was poor. It was Curry, Jim, but not as we know it.
Lamb Massaman
This was a Thai Curry, nothing Hector would choose. With Lamb and Potatoes, Marg instantly commented upon the Kick. She had not asked for – Spicy. Coconut and Cashew (Gesundheit!) Nuts too, certainly not a – Hector Curry. Marg thoroughly enjoyed her Dish but realised Chicken would have lent itself more to this style of Cuisine. Marg also commented on how chewy the Lamb was.
Marg – Plenty of lamb, a little chewy. The Potatoes were a pleasant addition. The Naan mopped up all the sauce. The sauce was runny but tasty.
The Naans
The Keema Naan stood apart due to the air pocket. The Mince interior was Minimal and had the tell-tale Donner appearance. By no means large, it did the job. The Garlic and Coriander Naan was Herb-rich. Both very fresh on arrival. Perhaps pricey for their size.
*
The Bill
380 Dirhams (£25.00). Around the average price for dinner in these parts.
The Aftermath
A lengthy conversation with an English Couple who were resident here. Marg was in her element.
