Mataam Fez, located at 4609 East Colfax Avenue in Denver, holds the distinction of being the first Moroccan eatery to introduce Denverites to the pleasures of floor seating and savoring intensely spiced food with their fingers. The restaurant has thrived for over two decades.
How has Mataam Fez managed to stay in business while others, such as La Casbah, the snazzy restaurant that lasted little more than a year at 9955 East Hampden Avenue, could not?
A Pricy but Wonderful Dining Experience
Dining at Mataam Fez can be a pricey but wonderful experience. The food and atmosphere are excellent.
If you are unfamiliar with Moroccan food, use the wait staff to help you find your way through the menu.
Greg Moody, CBS4's Critic At Large, has featured Mataam Fez on the CBSDenver.com Entertainment section.
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Customer Reviews
While some customers praise the food, others have noted issues with service. One reviewer mentioned a long wait time and unfriendly waiter, also they were told that a specific bottle of wine was available, but it was not.
One reviewer had a negative experience, noting that the cold salads that started off the five-course, prix-fixe meal ($23.95) were obviously past their prime.
The entrees weren’t much better. (My lamb couscous was the standout.) A lot of the dishes seemed to involve cheap, greasy cuts (who serves just chicken thighs?), and there continued to be a strange lack of the spices typically associated with this kind of cuisine. The best word I can come up with to describe the service would be “sinister”: Our server seemed to be very angry with us and the other customers.
Alternatives
For those seeking Moroccan cuisine in Aurora, Cafe Paprika (13160 East Mississippi Avenue) and Marrakesh (1951 South Havana) are alternatives to consider.
I’d happily go back to Cafe Paprika (13160 East Mississippi Avenue in Aurora), however. This tiny, tidy restaurant is mostly Middle Eastern, but the few Moroccan dishes are superb, especially the harira. Also in Aurora is Marrakesh (1951 South Havana), which does a wonderful lunch buffet.
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The Menu and Moroccan Cuisine
If you want to enjoy the flavors of Morocco in the comfort of your own home, you can try this marinated, grilled shrimp recipe from Casablanca.
Casablanca Grilled Shrimp Recipe:
- In a glass or ceramic bowl, whisk vinegar and oil together; add rest of ingredients and stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate for two days.
- On the third day, drain shrimp and place on skewers; brush grill or broiler pan with oil.
- Grill or broil shrimp 5 minutes per side.
I love Palais Casablanca and the wonderful chicken dishes. It's pretty amazing.
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tags: #Moroccan
