Tagine

Valerie Moloney

Citysearch

The Scene
Minimalist yet comfortable, this Ravenswood storefront boasts few embellishments other than a lone windowside nook to the right of the entrance covered with jewel-toned pillows and deep fabrics embossed with gold leaf. A plush, ivory sherpa rug adorns a terra-cotta-colored wall to the left, while white linens blanket tables throughout the one-room space. Clubby Moroccan music is kept to bearable levels for the groups of neighborhood locals trickling in.

The Food
Moroccan chef Eddie Maettaoui celebrates his native cuisine with spicy tagines and simple vegetarian dishes. Pita bread accompanies traditional appetizers such as briwats--phyllo triangles stuffed with piping hot seafood, chicken or vegetables--and the Sahara vegetarian sampler, a trio of roasted eggplant, garlicky, lemony spinach and grilled bell peppers sauteed with garlic and herbs. Tagines brim with juicy, fall-off-the-bone lamb, meatballs or chicken thanks to clay pots that evenly distribute heat. Beef kebabs lock in marinated spices, but could be more tender.