Koutoubia Delicious Moroccan Restaurant on Westwood, Ca.(4/06)

March 24, 2007 Ray Hall/Assisted and Edited by Todd Elliot

Koutoubia Restaurant: www.koutoubiarestaurant.com 310-475-0729

The Koutoubia Restaurant is a Moroccan diamond in the rough. It is located at 2116 Westwood Blvd. about half way between Santa Monica and Olympic Boulevards. It is a quiet, authentic, romantic eatery with Casablanca style and five star friendliness. The original Moroccan owner of twenty eight years, Michel, gracefully seated us. We were immediately greeted by a bowl with warm water poured from a gold pot by the server at our table to cleanse our hands. We then began the meal with a Moroccan Martini cocktail from their full bar that was splendidly mixed with pomegranate juice, triple sec and a fine vodka. The appetizer menu included soups, salad assortments, beef and vegetarian dishes alike. We had the Galettes De Feuilles de Briks which were "turnovers" that were exceptionally splendid. They were filled with goat cheese, fresh cilantro and mint, and ground cumin. We also had the Selection Des Salades Fines, which translates from the french dialogue into "selection of fine salads". The salads included beets, carrots in cumin sauce, Shouchoka (tomato and eggplant), mild roasted peppers in a olive oil and garlic sauce, and a tomato cucumber salad in a roasted vinaigrette dressing. Each of the selections were terrific but my favorite was the Shouchoka due to the very burlesque, aromatic Moroccan flavor. This was also complemented by the french bread that was generously served throughout the meal. The selection of main courses was comprised of Volailles (chicken), Les Poissons (seafood), Les Tagines (lamb), Les Couscous, and two vetetarian dishes. We were very pleased with our two selections; the fresh filet of sole and Brochettes De Poulet Grilles, which was a delightful chicken brochette marinated in garlic and fresh herbs. The sole was exceptional, one of the best fillets we have tasted in Los Angeles. It was light, fluffy, and the sun dried tomato, fresh herb and garlic topping was truly delightful. One possible reason of the remarkable flavor is that the vegetables and herbs are generally organically grown.

Finally, the desserts were decadent and light. We had some Baklava with an assortment of pistachio and fig Italian ice creams. The night was memorable. The food was amazing and ambiance was genuine, peaceful and harmonious: This was truly a great ethnic experience that seemed to bring the world a little closer to us here in Los Angeles. We walked out of the restaurant with several drops of fresh rose water spritzed onto our palms symbolizing peace, harmony and good will of the restaurant. This is a restaurant that we would recommend as the best, most genuine, Moroccan restaurant in Los Angeles that we have previewed to date. It is truly a Moroccan diamond. More info below about the Atmosphere, Entertainment and background/bio on Michel.
Live music and belly dancing (sometimes hilariously enhanced by patron participation)may be the flashier attractions of this popular Moroccan eatery. But the traditional setting and menu hold their own considerable charms. Lit softly by candles and chandeliers, brass tables surrounded by plush seating and vivid tapestries form an intimate ambience for mouthwatering cuisine-including merguez sausage with couscous, lamb tagine and b’stilla, a chicken pie textured with almonds and encased in a delicate crust. Children are welcomed warmly, while adults are greeted with a smile-and a well-stocked wine list.

Exotic decor, belly dancers and steaming pots of mint tea set the stage for family-style couscous and tagine main courses.

specialty: North African themed "Morrocan martini"–pomegranate juice is the secret ingredient.

Specialties: B’Stila Aux Poulet (Chicken Filo Pie) shrimp, salad and lamb . .

Moroccan feast (on menu) with memorable specialties of merquez sausage with couscous; preserved lemons and olives, lamb tagine.

Bio of Owner Michel whose restaurant has been around 27 yrs.
Restaurant owner Michel Ohayon has earned the reputation for offering the “best personal service” and “ Moroccan taste extravaganza” in town for his 27-year-old Koutoubia Restaurant, according to the current Zagat Guide, based on public survey, as well as restaurant reviewers.

Among his loyal following, Michel is proud to count several of the most renowned French chefs in the city as his closest friends. It is fitting that Metropolitan Home Magazine wrote about Koutoubia as “the place where chefs dine on their night out.”

The congenial host has also received many accolades from the best critics on a local and national level. He is most proud of Koutoubia’s designation as “Best Ethnic Restaurant in the USA, “ “Top 50 Dishes in L.A.,” and three stars from the Los Angeles Writer’s Association. In addition, Koutoubia has received outstanding reviews in Los Angeles Magazine, Gourmet, Bon Appetit, The Los Angeles Times and many international publications.

Michel’s own destiny was foretold when he was born in Casablanca, Morocco in 1950. His family lived in the Jewish ghetto on the French side of town in an Arab country. Food was a central part of his life from the time he was young. In fact, Michel can still vividly describe an early mouth watering favorite: a deli sandwiches made of the most delicious bread, salad, olives and tuna mixture. At home, Michel learned to cook his favorite dishes from his grandmother. Since family meals were prepared daily with the big meal at noon, he also learned hospitality as well as cooking at a young age.

In 1971, 21 year-old Michel arrived in the United States, working his way up from a non-English speaking busboy at the famous Ma Maison to perfecting his front and back of the house skills at a Moroccan restaurant. Within six years he owned Koutoubia. Last year, more casual sister-restaurant, MoMo, opened next door.

Reflecting his heritage, Michel continues the practice of making all meals at the restaurant into delicious and enjoyable experiences for diners. He says, “My restaurant is home to Hollywood stars and rock stars but I think of everyone as a star who comes in to dine.”