Folie à Deux's Marrakech: Riad Jahan and Area

Marrakech is one of those places that cast a spell on you long after you've left this desert metropolis. It's one of the most memorable and enigmatic places I've been to, and I miss this labyrinthine city tremendously.

We stayed at a couple of riads, or guesthouses, while in Marrakech: Riad Dar One (here and here) and Riad Jahan. While Riad Dar One was chic, polished, and a well-oiled operation, Riad Jahan was a bit more quaint, homey, and charming. The rooms at Jahan were a bit disappointing compared to the elegant Dar One, but the ongoing Moorish-Indian fusion theme was quite darling.

Around the riad, curved arches and linen curtains complement niches decorated with Rajasthani-style accoutrements.

But Moroccan trappings are evident all around, such as leather poufs and tribal marriage rugs in the main courtyard and in each of the five rooms.

My favourite details? Antique doors with silk tassels and shining brass lamps.

On the rooftop, an Arabian tent shelters one corner of the terrace - a perfect place to just loaf with a book and a pot of mint tea.

The following are some photos taken around Marrakech's medina, or walled city.

Recommendations for a pleasant stay in Marrakech:

Eat
Tatchibana (Japanese)
38 Der Bab Ksiba / South Medina, Tel. 024 38 71 71
You must think me crazy for suggesting a Japanese restaurant with a Japanese chef and a German proprietor in Marrakech. Well, crazy in Marrakech is not bad when you have a restaurant serving entrées like Tempura with Lemon and Green Tea Powder and desserts like Kiwi Sorbet.

Kosybar (International and Moroccan)
47 Place des Ferblantiers / South Medina, Tel.024 38 03 24
Chef Nao Tamaki (yes, he's Japanese) churns out starters like Hot Phyllo Goat Cheese Rolls and Verrine of Sea Bream in Persimmon and Vanilla Oil; entrées like Spiced Red Curry Loin of Roasted Lamb and Teriyaki Chicken with Cantonese Rice; desserts like Lemon Soufflé and Caramelized Millefeuille with Vanilla Glaze. Oh yeah, did I mention it has a great rooftop scene?

Le Tobsil (Traditional Moroccan)
22 Derb Abdellah Ben Hessaien, Bab Ksour / near Djemaa El-Fna, Tel. 024 44 40 52
Under the helm of owner Christine Rio and lady Chef Fatima Mountassamin, Le Tobsil is considered Marrakech's premiere restaurant. On the menu are Pigeon Pastilla, Tajine of Farm Chicken with Lemon and Apricots, Tanjia of Marrakshi Chicken, Lamb Shoulder with Vegetables and Couscous. For dessert, traditional Moroccan sweets and mint tea.

Chez Chegrouni (Budget Moroccan)
east end of the Djemaa El Fna
My favourite cheap place for tajine and couscous! You will find all manners of tajines here - poulet (chicken), viande (meat/beef), and kefta (meatball) - all served with legumes (vegetables)

Food stalls at Djemaa El Fna (Street Food)
Djemaa El Fna, beginning sunset
To experience the ultimate in Marrakchi street food, eat like locals do: on communal tables and under tilly lamps. The food stalls at Djemaa El Fna is an open-air emporium for kebabs (meat brochettes), tajines, and grilled fruits de mer (seafood). An adventure not to be missed!