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El Mansour (Moroccan cuisine)  $$$

 9.5
JaT Rating

3119 Clement Street, San Francisco, 94121  (Directions)


415.751.2312


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Traditional Mococcan dishes and belly dancing for a memorable dinner


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 992
Reviewed: 1/1/2005
Rating: 9.5
My photo gallery 		A couple of years ago, I had Moroccan roommates who took me to El Mansour. I had such an outstanding time with the entire dining experience, I wanted to share this restaurant with out of town friends on this New Years Day.

It has been awhile since Ive been, but it looks like they renovated since my last visit. You cant miss El Mansour on Clement, its the one with the beautiful blue and white tiles with arched doorways. When you first walk in, you'll be blown away with the decorations as your imagination will transport you to a foreign land in a sultans tent.

We were greeted and seated in a corner. The seats are cushy and was battling the urge do lie on my side. I probably would have fallen asleep because it was comfortable. The tables are low and topped off with artistic patterns. If you have never been to a Moroccan restaurant, just keep an open mind and go with the flow, its all about the tradition.

Before every traditional Moroccan meal, it is the customary to wash your hands. A waiter will bring out some towels and a metal basin. Your job is to place your hands over the basin while the waiter pours warm water to rinse. You gotta have clean hands if you are going to be eating with your hands. Dont ask for utensils, its takes the fun out of getting messy when you eat.

I should have written this review 3 weeks ago so I apologize in advance if I get the order wrong in which the foods were brought out or the names of the dishes.

First dish to arrive was Bastela. Its kind of a flakey pastry filled with meats and topped off with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Watch out, this is served pretty hot and you could burn your fingers. This dish is absolutely amazing...the presentation and flavors associated with this make it a favorite of mine. (Picture 6)

We quickly polished the Bastela and proceeded to the lentil soup. The soup is served with a dense bread. Although very good, dont eat too much bread because there is a lot of food on the way. So far so good. (Picture 4)

Following the soup is a dish of assorted vegetables. Its hard to explain, you can look at (Picture 5). Kind of minced cumin flavored veggies in sort of a bean paste texture. Quite good, we ate the entire thing with nothing to spare. Oh yeah...also very messy :)

I hope I still had room for the main course. My dish was the scallops and shrimp. The seafood was large and its probably no suprise that the food was amazing. I was stuffed at this point and had trouble finishing my food but eventually devoured everything. They might have to roll me out of here or just leave me sleeping in the corner.

After finishing the main course, it was time to wash our hands again. I think the water had rose water to mask the food I had just eaten. I thought it was over at this point and the waiter delivered the last platter....dessert. They gave us utensils and we slowly but surely ate away (Picture 9). If I recall, it was deep fried bananas and a sweet pasty in the center topped with powdered sugar. Once again...the dish was excellent.

With every Moroccan meal, tea needs to served. Its a time to recollect about the meal and enjoy conversation. Its quite interesting how they pour the tea. Your cup is on a 2 foot table and the server is holding the tea kettle about 5-6 feet in the air. He gracefully pours your tea with little or no spill.

We were running short on time and had to skip the belly dancer. I have danced with her before and if you are embarrassed to dance in front of other people, she will find you and dance with you...haha. Its a great time. I think she comes on around 7PM. You can call the restaurant to confirm.

Although we missed the belly dancing, El Mansour is a restaurant not to be passed up. If you are looking for a unique dinner with exotic dishes, look no further, El Mansour will not disappoint. It is one of my ALL TIME favorite dining experiences in the bay area.
 
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