San Francisco Chronicle
Audrey Medina
A fish tagine at El Mansour, a Moroccan restaurant. Photo: Craig Lee, SFC 2004 / SF
For centuries, caravans loaded with gold, salt, and spices crossed the Sahara to meet traders in the casbahs of Morocco. Berber, Arab, Spanish, French and many other cultures influenced the food, music and artistic traditions that Moroccans now enjoy. Here are few places to sample Morocco’s rich culture without a plane ticket to Africa.
1. El Mansour Restaurant, San Francisco
Spend an exotic evening under a sultan’s tent. Belly dancers entertain as you feast on fish tagine, rabbit kebabs and other specialty dishes. The Moroccan wine industry (introduced by the French) is booming today, and El Mansour offers several that will complement your meal. 3119 Clement St., (415) 751-2312, www.elmansour.com.
2. Oasis Date Gardens, Thermal
Medjool dates, once reserved for royalty, now thrive in California, thanks to nine date palms sent from Morocco in the 1920s. Learn how dates are grown, visit the antique farm display and sample date-filled goodies in the gift shop. The date milk shakes are delicious, but it’s a challenge to finish one. 59-111 Grapefruit Blvd., (800) 827-8017,www.oasisdate.com.
3. El Morocco Inn & Spa, Desert Hot Springs
Escape to a Moroccan hideaway, where luxury awaits behind the blue doors. Jewel-tone Moroccan fabrics waft in the desert breeze as you sip Morocco-tinis by the poolside hearth. Visit the spa for a body mask treatment with Rhassoul clay from the Atlas Mountains, or join the party in the hookah lounge. Rooms from $169. 66810 Fourth St., (760) 288-2527,www.elmoroccoinn.com.
4. Oasis Camel Dairy, Ramona
Bedouins survive on camel’s milk and dates as they cross the Sahara to Morocco. While the camel dairy is raising our awareness of the health benefits of camel’s milk, the staff is also having a good time. Join monthly public tours for close-up camel encounters and rides, and take some camel-milk soap, lotions and chocolate home with you. Tours are $10 for adults, $7 for kids, rides are extra. 26757 Old Julian Hwy., (760) 787-0983, www.cameldairy.com.
5. Shangri-La, Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu, Hawaii
Doris Duke spent nearly 60 years amassing one of the most impressive collections of Islamic art in the country. Her Honolulu home borrows architectural elements and art from the Islamic world, including many cultures that lived, met and traded in Morocco. Tours are $25 (book well in advance). 900 S. Beretania St., (808) 532-3853,www.shangrilahawaii.org.
Audrey Medina, travel@sfchronicle.com
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/travel/fiveplaces/article/5-places-to-sample-Moroccan-treats-4024460.php#ixzz2BqybTehw
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