PARSIPPANY — On yet another frigid February evening I continued my tour of great, locally found, international cuisines with a short trip to Morocco. Well, maybe not the actual North African Country of Morocco, but odds have it that this will be the closest I will ever come to experience the authentic taste of this incredible cuisine without walking along the ancient, winding, alleyways, and cobblestone streets in the Medina of Marakesh itself.

Marakesh Restaurant is a cool, exotic-looking Middle Eastern/Mediterranean eatery, that can be readily found on Route 46 East, in our very own gastronomically rich and diverse community. I recently learned that Moroccan cooking, a whose melting pot of diverse cultural flavors, is primarily influenced by the tastes of not only its European and Mediterranean neighbors but African, Middle Eastern, and South American recipes as well. Interestingly, Moroccan cuisine, because of its blend of spices and variety of flavors is now considered one of the top worldwide food trends.  I was anxious to give it a try as this was my first experience dining in Moroccan style.

On arrival at the ample parking lot, you are immediately impressed with the unique Moroccan architectural style that defines the exterior facade of Marakesh.  Appears the building was transported directly from a Moroccan square and placed in the middle of a shopping plaza alongside Route 46.

All that was missing were the snake charmers, folk dancers, and street food vendors. Once inside, in sharp contrast to the harsh weather outside, we entered a warm, cozy, welcoming, and amazingly ornate dining room, where you are immediately transported to land halfway across the world.  Marakesh was noted for belly dancing entertainment prior to the pandemic, but that has obviously been put on hold.

As soon as you walk through the doors of Marakesh you must stop, take a moment, and take in the visuals of the extraordinarily beautiful décor that awaits within.  This is one of the most beautifully decorated ethnic restaurants that I have ever been to.  From the colorful, comfortable-looking overstuffed couches that serve as your seating (no hardwood chairs here), shiny brass trays perched on pedestals that serve as tables, imported artifacts (ceramics, pottery, artwork) tastefully placed throughout, arched Moroccan style doorways, subdued lighting, and soft Moroccan music playing in the background; Marakesh exudes warmth, comfort, and hospitality.

Obviously, I was extremely impressed.  And, as must be said, Marakesh certainly ensures that all current health-related requirements are carefully adhered to.

We were welcomed by our hostess, Mimi, who was not only very pleasant, friendly, and helpful throughout the evening, but as I found out is also the wife of the Chef/Owner Abdelfettah El Akkari.  We have led us to a nice corner seating location where I immediately found that the elaborate sofas were amazingly comfortable, and where I was able to continue to enjoy the ambiance of the entire restaurant. It takes a while to take it all in!

Marakesh is a BYOB, and Mini immediately brought out our wine glasses so we could sit back, relax, and enjoy sipping some vino while looking over the menu.

Chef Akkari, a very likable, friendly, and respectful restauranteur, came out to personally welcome us and join us in some conversation.  Chef Akkari was born in Morocco and emigrated to the U.S. in 1985, went to culinary school, and opened his first restaurant, Casablanca, in Paterson, which he continued to operate when first opening Marakesh in 1996.  Once Marakesh started to become busy and more demanding he decided to close his prior restaurant to provide time to focus primarily on his new venue.  Chef Akkari, who returns every year to Morocco to visit family and friends, told me that the interior of the restaurant was designed by himself and that he is personally hand-picked, and had imported, every piece of décor in Marakesh to specifically add to the authenticity of the restaurant. The Chef went on that his clientele is comprised of many culturally diverse people who often come from locations far and wide to visit his restaurant.  He feels it is special to have been able to have met and serve so many people over the past 25 years and considers all his customers his friends.  He was obviously sincere in mentioning that he has enjoyed every minute of his past 25 years here at his Parsippany location.  Chef Akkari noted that Morocco is noted for its hospitality and that the sharing of a meal with family and friends is a special event, and that is what he clearly has created, and what he brings to his restaurant. Shokran (thank you) to Chef Akkari for that.

Our meal started with a typical but refreshing and tasty salad, accompanied with a basket of freshly grilled pita bread for dipping into the appetizers which followed. We started by sharing the Sampler appetizer, which was plenty for two, consisting of Hummus, Zaalouk, Baba Ghanoush, and Pickled Vegetables. I also ordered the Moroccan Cigars Beef (it just sounded too interesting to pass by). The thick yet smooth, nutty, creamy hummus was perfectly textured, and the taste of the sesame seed-based tahini made it stand out. Zaalouk, basically an eggplant salad with just the right mix of sweet onions and fruity tomatoes, was full of flavor. The Baba Ghanoush, also an eggplant dish, was nice, thick, and voluptuous. A delectable combination of dipping-type appetizers that was fully enjoyed while waiting for our entrees to arrive. Service was spot on, no one rushes you here, very relaxing environment.  Let us not forget the Moroccan Cigars Beef; sweet and savory spiced meat filling, rolled up in phyllo sheets and fried until crisp and golden. A perfect accompaniment to all the other appetizers.  I never had them before, but I would not hesitate to order them again.

For my entrée I decided, since I never had it before, to try a traditionally iconic Tagine dish. Tagine is ceramic clay, a cooking vessel, that has a shallow base and tall, cone-shaped lid traditionally used in Morocco and meant to steam food or cook it low and slow, and usually used to make a stew type dish.  Out of the several to choose from I ordered the Tunisian Chicken in Harissa Sauce.  Harissa is a unique spice blend of chili peppers and seasonings. The dish was perfectly cooked with just the right balance of spices (sumac, caraway, fennel, cumin, coriander, garlic, and peppermint) and the Harissa sauce provided a sweet, smoky, earthy bite with just the right amount of a kick that blended in well with the rest of the dish while enhancing its sweet-and-savory flavor profile. The chicken, which fell off the bone at the touch of my fork, and accompanying vegetables came out soft, moist, tender, and infused with bold flavor.

My friend ordered the Baby Lamb Tagine, which came with Saffron sauce and toasted almonds, and his comments basically mirrored mine.  Both entrees were perfectly prepared and presented and we thoroughly enjoyed our choices. By this time Chef Akkari, at my request, had joined us at our table and brought along some complimentary Moroccan Mint Tea. I also ordered the house specialty dessert, Orange Blossom Sweet Besteeya (layers of crisp, flaky pastry topped with Marakesh’s own sweet orange blossom cream and groundnuts) to go with the tea which I understood is Morocco’s number one drink. The tea was amazing and was a truly satisfying, post-meal treat.

It could have been a dessert in itself. The surprising, intense, sugary, herb-charged tea is a must-have when visiting Marakesh. I can easily see why it is a daily ritual in some parts of the world.  And do have it with that Orange Blossom Sweet Besteeya dessert which also knocks it out of the park with its complex layers of taste that are sweet, spicy, rich, and earthy. All in all, we had a great dining adventure with our visit to Marakesh, the restaurant that is. I would highly recommend you stop in, individually or with a group, and give this place a try.  I believe you will be happy you did. Bessha!

And as always, please try to come out and help support all our local, small independent businesses in any way you can.

Dine-In, Take Out, Ample Parking, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan, Halal, Curbside Pickup.

Food is one of the last bastions on Earth that brings people together! It appeals to every sense and it speaks without words, invokes memories!

Marakesh Restaurant, 321 Route 46 East, Parsippany, NJ 07054; (973) 808-0062; Click here for website.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, April 2021

MORRIS COUNTY — I have always been a fan of great Portuguese cuisine, and after 30 years of working within walking distance to the Ironbound section of Newark, I have been known to have frequented a wide variety of the fantastic Portuguese/Spanish/Brazilian restaurants located there.  I cannot imagine that you are going to find any better, but you do not necessarily have to travel to Newark to enjoy a delicious Portuguese-style BBQ!

So, what do you do to satisfy your craving for some healthy, hearty, and tasty Portuguese food when you do not have the time, or patience, to deal with the hassle of driving to “Down Neck”, Newark?  The simple answer just might be Tino’s BBQ & Grill, situated right here in Parsippany, a short jump right off Route 46 on Littleton Road.

Tino’s BBQ describes itself as a low-key joint in a strip mall, making Portuguese BBQ mains, sandwiches, and sides, to eat in or take out. The description certainly fits.  Tino’s does appear to predominantly be a take-out eatery, but there is adequate inside seating to accommodate you and your friends, should you prefer to dine in. Tino’s can probably be described as one of those non-descript, overlooked, somewhat hidden little storefront eateries that dot our roadways.  If you have not yet visited Tino’s, or thought of stopping in, that is too bad.  If that is the case, you are missing out, as it is undoubtedly another great culinary addition to our gastronomically rich and diverse community.

Warmly greeted on our entry by our very friendly and amiable hosts, and co-owners, Altino “Tino “Morais and wife Maria, who immediately offered us a table of our choice. It was clear that our patronage was appreciated, and we were made to feel at home. The ambiance of the restaurant is friendly, casual with a touch of class, comfortable, and no-frills, with tables that seat four people, which are lined up against the wall and appointed with white linen tablecloths and sterilized utensils neatly wrapped in napkins. The bright and airy interior, which is more spacious than it appears from the outside, exudes a warm, cozy, ethnic vibe, and was exceptionally clean, and clearly abiding with all the current pandemic health guidelines.

The décor, though simple, is pleasant with an eye-appealing front ordering area, with Portuguese paintings and artifacts placed along the walls.  The service was excellent; prompt, attentive, and accommodating. Wine glasses, water, and menus were swiftly brought to our table and our wine was uncorked.  Did I mention that Tino’s is a BYOB, so remember to bring along your favorite vino?  The menu offered pretty much anything you would want from a Portuguese restaurant, including, a selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and of course a nice selection of traditional entrees.  A couple of people have asked me if they serve Rodizio here, and the answer is no.  And besides, though often confused, Rodizio is a Brazilian dish and not Portuguese.

While ordering and discussing the menu, I had an opportunity to speak with the very personable Tino Morais, who interestingly told me that all the dishes served in his restaurant come from recipes he had learned from, and were passed down from his mother, in addition to a few others that he has learned along the way during his years working for several well known local area restaurants.  There is no doubt this is traditional, authentic Portuguese fare, using the freshest ingredients, including meat, and vegetables from Newark markets, and fresh fish from Toms River, that Tino personally picks up several times a week.  All that is evident in the quality, freshness, and taste in every bite.  Altino, when asked, said his business motto is “Eat Fresh, Eat Healthy, Eat at Tino’s”.

Tino’s BBQ & Grill is Altino and Maria’s first restaurant, and they are obviously doing something right as they have been serving the Parsippany general area for over 12 years; prior to that Altino enhanced his skills and restaurant knowledge while working in such places as Casa Bella in Denville, The Station in Mountain Lakes and L’Allegria in Madison.  It takes many years of experience and dedication to become an exceptional Chef or restaurateur, and since Altino modestly does not consider himself a Chef, he utilizes the skills of a skilled Spanish Chef to create those beloved family recipes he learned as a young man in Portugal.

We started by sharing several traditional appetizers; Chourica Assada (Grilled Portuguese Sausage), Camaro a Guilho (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce), and Empanadas (one beef, one pork, and one chicken). These appetizers are often referred to as tapas (small plates) but believe me, the servings were anything but small. The pork Chorizo had a nice tangy, smoky flavor and was well prepared and not the least bit greasy, a perfect appetizer to offset the accompanying Shrimp in a Garlic sauce, which had a generous amount of shrimp, was full of flavor and garlicky deliciousness. The assorted Empanadas were nice, light, crispy, flaky pastries stuffed with the beef, pork, and chicken, all of which were moist, juicy, and savory.  I personally preferred mine drizzled with the hot sauce that came as a side.  Great starters and any normal human being might have stopped there. Being a gavone I had to push forward as there were other great dishes to try.

For an entrée, I had a tough time deciding between the national dish of Portugal, Grilled Bacalhau (dried and salted cod), and the Short Ribs. I ended up ordering the (costeliavaca), which came with generous sides of potatoes and mixed vegetables. My friend ordered the Pork Chop Giambotta, with hot & sweet peppers, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and Portuguese sausage.  The portion size for both dishes was enormous and substantial. The moist, tender, delectable Short Ribs, grilled and seasoned perfectly, and served without sauce (unlike American BBQ) had a delicate smoky flavor that invited you to just pick them up and eat them right off the bone. Which, of course, I did! We also ordered a side of Spanish Potatoes, which were light, crunchy, and crispy, with a great bite and texture. I did not sample the Giambotta, but it was certainly a lavishly, impressive-looking dish, and reportedly tasted as good as it looked. I rarely take anything home, but I did have to give in and submit to a takeout bag tonight. These dishes were not only delicious, but the servings were ample enough to feed two or more people.

As stuffed as we were by now, we just had to try their desserts. I was glad to see that they offered one of my favorites, Tres Leches (a soft, delicate, sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk).  I do not see this everywhere, but when I do, I usually get it.  My friend’s impressive portion of rice pudding was also mouthwatering.  If we had any more to eat, they would have had to roll us out of the restaurant.

Whether you are a fan of Portuguese cuisine, looking for something different, or just plain hungry, I believe Tino’s will satiate both your needs and your appetite.

The food here is delicious, serving sizes are more than ample, the prices are reasonable, and it is clear to see that the owners take great pride in ensuring that their food is prepared with love and served with pride.  Stop in for lunch or dinner, I found it to be a rewarding dining experience and I think you will too.

And as always, please try to come out and help support all our local, small independent businesses in any way you can.

Bon appetite!

Tino’s BBQ & Grill is located at 229 Littleton Road, Parsippany. (973) 588-7979; Portuguese Barbeque, Charcoal Pit. Hours 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Closed Sundays

BYOB, Off-Road Parking, Dine In, Take Out, Contact Free Delivery (Grub hub).