I wasn't really sure what to expect of Mourad "Momo" Mazouz's unique North African restaurant, tucked behind Regent Street next to the interesting Absolut Ice Bar. Momo is known as a bit of a celeb magnet, probably because of its intimate charm – think of a Moroccan souk with ornate lanterns, rich and exotic carpets, vibrant coloured shishas and low brass tables. Natalie Portman was in there last week, apparently, dining in a cosy candlelit corner.
For over ten years, head chef Mohamed Ourad has been cooking up authentic North African food to suit every taste, and the bar staff are only too happy to mix up a cocktail. Koulla and I had the house special – a vanilla vodka and champagne special with lemon juice and sugar water. They came complete with pretty pansies over the rim. Aaaaw, sweet!
The food was truly outstanding. To start I had seared tuna – peppered with a quail egg and a vierge sauce. I’m still not quite sure what vierge sauce is but it tasted bloody good, and Koulla’s pastille of pigeon in a sweet pastry pie of almonds and cinnamon was a far and delicious cry from the waddling annoyances you see round the corner in Leicester Square. Good thing they don’t all taste like Momo’s dish – there wouldn’t be any left to poop on the tourists!
For my main course I chose the lamb tagine which came hot, steaming and incredibly tasty in a pointy lidded dish, with prunes, saltanas and pear. I never would have thought to put lamb with pear but this was amazing! Koulla chose from a different section and had duck brochettes with pomme fondante, glazed apple and a fondu of cabbage. We were going oooooh and aaaaaaaaaah so much in appreciation that I’m sure a table of guys turned round to see exactly what we were doing.
We had traditional and exceptional crème brulee to finish before heading down to the members only bar to watch a live performance by up-and-coming musician Karen Davis. She was excellent, keep your ears open for her.
For a great, posh night out with mouth-watering smells, tastes and dare I say it, staff – dig out your fanciest tops and shirts and book a table at Momo.
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