Le Paradis du Fruit, much more than smoothies

Probably not a destination in itself, but if you happen to be in Anfaplace doing some shopping or simply strolling in this gorgeous Norman Foster project, Le Paradis du Fruit is a very interesting option to grab a bite and a healthy juice. With ultra-modern Stark design and nice views, its a total pleasure to sit in the comfy leather sofas and see the life go by. The menu was surprisingly complete, and even if they specialize in fruit they have salads, pastas and one of my favorite things in the world...ceviche! So I decided to give it a try and was very good, if presented slightly different from the original recipe, the salmon was very fresh and good size for the price, 60 dhs. The juices were also very good and very very large, but at 40 dirhams is exactly what you expect. They have ultrafast wifi and offer free parking also. 

Unfortunately, even if in in the menu there is alcohol printed, they couldnt get the license...it would have been to good to be true.

Anfaplace, Boulevard de la Corniche, 20.000 Casablanca, Morocco

 
tel. 05227-96909

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Marché Central, Popular Chic

One of my favorite plans in the weekend is actually one of the cheapest eats in Casablanca, in a sunny day like today there is very little things that can challenge a visit to the famous Marché Central. Located in what it used to be the center of Casablanca, the area feels now a bit neglected, but its on its way to recovery and a lot of money and effort are put into making it a decent neighborhood. Surrounded by gorgeous Art Deco buildings, the Marché Central means literally the Central Market, the place where you can find the freshest fruits, vegetables and most specially seafood. Snob people would typically send their chauffeur, make them buy and cook it all at home ; chic people like Gatsby prefers to buy it there and give it to one of the snack restaurants that will cook everything to your taste, prepare you a refreshing Moroccan salad and offer you a not-really-sugar-free mint tea. The seating area is open and its really a pleasure to sit down in actually quite comfortable plastic chairs and see what real life is all about in Casablanca, far from the bling bling of Le Cabestan. Service including cooking, drinks and salad cost about 30 dirhams per person, and the prices of seafood inside the market depend really on how touristy you look. Oysters are about 10 dhs unit, so less than a Euro, and are amazingly good. Its always a good idea to carry kleenex with you since their kind of napkin is not quite as you may like. There is usually no problem for parking there, and with the new tram is even easier, there is one stop right en front of it called very wisely "Marché Central". You can't get lost.

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Sojou, quick and tasty lunch

Sojou is the healthiest option in the neighborhood when it comes to have a quick and tasty lunch before going back to work, or as Gatsby does it, enjoy the cute little terrace trying one of their smoothies when others go to work.

The daily menu changes constantly, depending on the season you can have a really nice courgette soup, broccoli soup, leek soup or even gazpacho (Spanish raw tomato soup) in summer. They propose quiches at amazingly good value, and also wraps and sandwiches. The star of the place are the self composed salads, you can choose all the ingredients and add as many of you want for as little as 0.5 dhs each, the final price might not be as cheap as the traditional Moroccan place round the corner serving tuna-can sandwiches, but the BIO label, the cleanliness and the friendly staff are spot on. If you still have doubts just try the tiramisú dessert or another of my favorites, the lovely cheesecake.

Tip: ask for the member's card and have one free dessert every ten times you come. Like Tesco says, every little helps.

Price à la carte: 50 to 100 dhs

90 rue Moussa Bnou Noussair, 20050 Casablanca
tel. 05224-72200
From 9am to 8'30pm daily

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