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| Rating | Avg. Dinner Entrée |
|---|---|
| $$$$$ | Greater than $25 |
| $$$$ | $18.01 - $25 |
| $$$ | $12.01 - $18 |
| $$ | $7.01 - $12 |
| $ | Less than $7 |
| Food | ![]() |
Value | ![]() |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service | ![]() |
Atmosphere | ![]() |
Posted by Alex on 01/01/2008
Homey and healthy food in downtown DC
I have frequently eaten at this delicious cafe near the corner of 20th and M. It provides a unique alternative to the eateries in the area. The food (mostly north african and middle eastern) is based only on fresh ingredients, it is cooked with care, and served with a smile usually by the owner (Aziz), his sister or his mother. The characteristic dish is couscous, a dish based on semolina which is served with stewed vegetables and/or meats (chicken or lamb) or salmon. It distinguishes itself from the few other places in DC serving couscous because the semolina base has a powdery consistency. I asked Aziz and he told me the couscous is rolled by hand at his place, a labor-intensive process but with striking results - it is like the difference between home- made pasta and pasta bought already made! Another dish that i liked was Bastilla, a pie made of pulled roasted chicken, almonds, spices, and peanuts wrapped in a fillo dough, baked and sprinkled with ice sugar and cinnamon: DELICIOUS! It is worth the visit and the money! Considering the freshness of ingredients and the time and labor that go into the preparation of most dishes, I was amazed that the prizes are below $10! Go and see it yourself! we must support eateries like this if we want to send a message to the chain eateries of downtown that serve the same, boring, de-frosted soups and entrees!