Last Friday, I was able to experience Morocco in a matter of hours at ‘Rock the Casbah’ on the Pinea Patio at the W Washington D.C. Hotel.  ‘Rock the Casbah,’ which is an 80’s punk rock song by The Clash, gave us the taste and feel of Morocco with traditional bites and Moroccan-themed cocktails.

Before indulging in a cocktail, I ordered the Lamb Kefta Kabobs and Lamb Shawarma.  Lamb Shawarma is a wrap, filled with tahini (a spread), pickled vegetables, and garlic scape yogurt.  The kabobs were served with labne, a strained yogurt.  Commonly found in Moroccan cuisine, Pinea’s lamb was deliciously seasoned.

After getting a taste of Moroccan cuisine, it was time to head to the bar and order a Maghrebi Julep.  Inspired by Maghrebi mint tea, the Julep was made with Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, mint, Jasmine Green Tea, and lime.

Combine a great cocktail, complimentary hookah and henna tattoos with Moroccan bites and you’re transported straight to Casablanca.  After attending ‘Rock the Casbah,’ I’m certainly inspired to return to Pinea for another taste of Mediterranean cuisine and to plan a trip to experience a real night in Morocco.

– Christie Cooper