63. Morocco: Walima Cafe

Walima Cafe
1450 Danforth Ave
(West of Coxwell)
647 268 3327

Incense, decorative lanterns and mood music present an authentic North African ambiance. We are greeted somewhat off-handedly but the service improves as the evening goes on. We order mint tea which arrives in a large silver pot with a charming handle cover and accompanied by ornate, colourful glasses. For starters we choose Morocco salad $4.75, Beet Salad $3.75 and Hummus $4.25. Our main courses are Chicken Tagine $12.25, Shrimp Tagine $13.25, Lamb Tagine $13.50, Fish Tagine (Tilapia) $13.25 and Vegetarian Couscous $12.00. A Tagine is a heavy clay pot in two parts - circular base like a plate and a tall cone that sits inside the base as the dish cooks in the oven. The result is tender meat in flavourful sauces. By the time we'd just about given up hope of ordering dessert, our host had warmed up sufficiently to offer us sweet plates (assortments of traditional pastries) we order two lots to share between the six of us at $4.95 a plate. These tasty morsels disappeared quickly helped along by our second pot of mint tea. Total for six dinners $131.81 plus tip.

Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)