Tanjia Moroccan Restaurant
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
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We
had dined at and enjoyed Tanjia Moroccan Restaurant
a few years ago with a group of friends and were eager to see
the changes, as we had heard that there were new owners. Restaurateur
Jamal Zahid who grew up in Casablanca and his
wife Judith recently bought the restaurant from his brother and
renovated the interior. They use Jamal's mother's family recipes
and want you to experience a piece of Morocco in the Temescal
in Oakland. The updated décor features a tent like ceiling
with lovely hanging stylish lighting. Dining at low tables and
banquettes with large pillows and ottoman seating adds to the
Moroccan setting. Oil Paintings of Moroccan scenes are on the
walls and Moroccan music adds to the colorful authenticity of
the restaurant and gets you in the mood. On warm nights, you also
have the option of sitting outside in front of the restaurant.
We
chose to sit inside near the front where we could see a full view
of the stylish interior. We ordered wine and began to browse the
menu. The new menu features reasonably priced a la carte small
plate selections, as well as two Prix Fix Dinners. Both the Prix
Fix Dinners have multiple courses and combinations, so you will
never be bored and you may have some leftovers to take home.
Tanjia Hummus
You
must start with the warm Marinated Olives. They were delicious
and we had never had them served warm before. It was a fabulous
way to start our meal! The Hummus with Pita Bread was also delicious
as we found it rich, lemony and not oily. We loved the piping
hot Harira Soup which was a spicy lentil soup. The Moroccan Salad
made with eggplant, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, tomato-roasted
bell peppers which was served with home baked bread, was excellent
as well. The next course was their Bastilla which are made with
Phyllo dough. The Bastilla filled with chicken, egg, almonds,
topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar was both sweet and spicy.
The Bastilla filled with Seafood and Mushrooms topped with parsley
was very fresh and flavorful.
Marinated Olives
The
Entrees were all hearty portions. The Lamb and Chicken with almonds,
couscous and vegetables featured lamb that was especially tender
as the meat fell right off the bone. The couscous was fluffy and
some of the best we has ever tasted! The other entrée that
we loved was the Chicken with Prunes which was really luscious
and also very tender. Another great choice a la carte/small plate
was the Casablanca Shore made with Scallops and Prawns with cilantro
and accompanied with vegetables. This would be an excellent choice
for a lighter dinner accompanied with Hummus and Olives of course!
Tanjia Lamb and Chicken
The
Global Wine list has something to please everyone with wines from
Morocco, Europe, USA and South America. .We particularly enjoyed
the 2008 Cedar Brook, Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc with our starters.
The 2003 Chateau Roslane Premier Cru Les Cotreaux de L'Atlas was
a fabulous, smooth and hearty Moroccan Red Wine which paired perfectly
with our entrees. This Moroccan Red competes very favorably with
Napa Cabernets which are twice the price. The Dessert that we
really enjoyed was the Warm Almonds with Dates and Chocolate.
The combination of flavors and texture really works. Mint Tea
and a 2005 Robert Hall Vintage Port was the perfect finish to
a delicious, well paced, tasty and satisfying dinner.
Tanjia Almonds with Dates and Chocolate
During
our dinner we enjoyed the show put on by Tatseena www.Tatseena.com
the Belly Dancer. We particularly enjoyed her Sword dance and
that she encouraged audience participation and many of the diners
got up to dance. There was quite a bit of talent in the audience
that night with good hip action. Lot's of Fun!
The
New Tanjia is an excellent Moroccan Restaurant!
The cuisine, made with primarily local and organic ingredients,
was a cut above and we appreciated the friendly welcoming vibe!
You can find a slice of Morocco right in Oakland.
Tanjia
Moroccan Restaurant
4905 Telegraph Avenue (at 51st)
Oakland, CA. 94609
510-653-8691
www.TanjiaOakland.com