Essaouira's Chic Elizir
(Photo: Latif at Elizir)
Happy New Year from the Essaouira Blog. I am currently on vacation in Thailand, Blog will return on February 1.
Essaouira's Chic Elizir
Last night I had dinner at our hippest new restaurant Elizir on 1 rue de Agadir. The first thing that strikes you when you enter is the incredible 70's mod style. White and red plastic dining sets are mixed with large globe ceiling lamps and colorful Moroccan fabrics. The ambiance is a delight for the senses and the food is just as good.
I first met Latif about 5 years ago when he worked in an antique store in the Bab Sba Square. The place was filled with amazing wonders from old French mirrors to ancient coins to 7O's retro furniture. He would play good music and really make you feel welcome. I would spend hours there with my girlfriend hanging out, having tea and looking at all the cool stuff. Every once in a while you would ask about a particular piece and Latif would smile and say, "I am sorry, that is not for sale."
Elizir is now filled with his great collection. The Restaurant opened over the summer and has quickly become one of the most popular spots in Essaouira because of the great interior and great food.
Your meal starts with warm bread and a great platter with a variety of tasty treats like baby cherry tomatoes, whipped cheese and whipped olives. The appetizers are excellent. Definitely go for one of the two gnochis, cheese or pumpkin. For the main course I love the steak, but they also have really tasty tagines including fish, veal, chicken and camel. You can BYOB or order wine.
Truly a great dining experience. Elizir is located at 1 rue de Adadir, the first door on the left when you turn from Main Street.
News:
Beautiful days ahead - Clear and sunny, but flat for the next week. The only surfing will be mornings at Safi Beach. The bay will be perfect for windsports by noon.
Next weekend, December 31st is Aïd al Addha (fete du mutton) which is one of the biggest religious celebrations of the year. Be sure to get up early and go to the Place Moulay Hassan to see the Morning Prayer.
All this week there will be a sheep market in the new town so take a taxi or a horse and carriage to check out this temporary souk.
Current Events:
The Alliance Françoise is hosting the exhibition "Le soufisme, « coeur de l'islam »" for the month of December.
For at full schedule of events at the Alliance Françoise, go to their website at:
http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/institut/afm-essaouira/index.cfm?num=948&archives=1&motcle=28
The Alliance Françoise is located on Rue Laalouj not far from Dar Suki.
Upcoming Events
Gnaoua Festival 2007 - Dates have yet to be posted.
Next Week: Report on the New Royal Air Maroc Hotel
Blog Posted each Monday by Ron Bauer, see you soon!