ZITOUNE
Mamaroneck, NY
Zitoune features the authentic cuisine of chef/owner Alain Bennouna’s homeland, Morocco. As you may recall from geography class (and the movie "Casablana"), Morocco is just south of the southern tip of Spain, giving the cuisine a European influence. According to the Journal News’ food reviewer Judith Hausman, “Moroccan cuisine appeals because it smooths the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern with French refinement.” (May 2007). The decor is also exotic and refined, like an oasis off of busy Rt 1. It is a feast for the eyes, with beautiful decorative tile work, colored glass, draped fabrics and Moroccan art.
Since opening in Mamaroneck, Zitoune has earned widespread praise. The NY Times awarded it a VERY GOOD rating (Feb 2007). “….nothing about Zitoune seems phony or calculated….the authentic welcome and delicious, fragrant food bear a distinctly personal stamp. Mr. Bennouna is in love with his native cuisine and he wants you to love it too…The food at Zitoune is homey but also elegant, and a bit exotic…”. Westchester Magazine concurred, with another “VERY GOOD”“TEN BEST REVIEWED RESTAURANTS OF 2007” rating, and named it as one of their (alongside such stellar eateries as X2O and Monteverde). The magazine also rated Zitoune’s signature drink the “Casablanca Storm” as one of the best cocktails in the county in the August 2008 issue, describing it as: ...”as subtle, complex, and intoxicating as a fragrant Moroccan evening”. So of course we will have a Casablanca Storm with our dinner (or wine, for the less adventurous). Dinner will feature entrees that Mr. Bennouna feels are the best representations of Moroccan cuisine. And to top it off, a belly dancer will start performing around 9:30, for those who wish to stay and watch.
PLEASE
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