In Marrakesh

Running a gastronomic spot nowadays can be really challenging. The tourism is growing every year and the public expects to find what is shown and written in the travels magazines. The food sector is fundamental in the tourism experience and has been in many destinations a star and the main reason to make tourists travel miles from home. The tourism public is wide diverse; business, leisure, health, adventure and long term are some of the many types of travelers and all of them have a common need, eat. Some places may be more prepared than others for the food experience, what may classify them as a gastronomic destination. In theses places the public tend to be more critical as well as the challenge of the local businesses tend to be higher.

Chefs are the focus in the media bringing quality food and local spices are everybody´s expectations. A Boutique Restaurant in Marrakesh called Le Comptoir delighted me and my friends with its service, perfect food, good wine, entertainment, good music and a lovely shop where we could find local souvenirs. The concept of a Boutique Restaurant adopted by Le Comptoir is the comfort of a Restaurant, a Night Club and a shop all together for you. The restaurant is located in a sophisticated area in the city, surrounded by mansions and characteristic buildings that allows you to feel the night experience even before stepping into the dinning place. The entrance decoration is marvelous; huge palace doors taking you through the corridor with hanged Arabic curtains all over the place. We were expected by lovely hostesses who guided us to the main bar where we had the best caipirinha ever.

After a few cocktails and great background music we finally go to The Terrace, where we booked our table to be. Torches are spread around the room, candles on the tables and Arabic Silk decorating the ceiling and walls. We chose a merlot as we were on low budget and went straight to the main course. I had a sea food Tajini with the traditional couscous, witch was delicious. My friends had a ricotta and spinach Ravioli, which they enjoyed very much. Our puddings were a triple flavored Crème Brulée which was vanilla, chocolate and coffee, just the best I have tried so far. When we were having our desserts we were surprised by belly dancers coming down the enormous stairs and performing around our tables. That was really fun and I could not resist having a picture with one of them.

To finish the experience with a flourish we went to the night club where our night was extended with belly dancers performing on the tables dancing a wide sort of music. That was much more than a gastronomic event, but showed us that a full hospitality experience can bring to an unforgettable life experience.