Our intro to Fez began with a walk through a crazy maze of narrow, busy streets as we ran to keep up with the guys wheeling our luggage through the pedestrian-only medina. This B&B style hotel would be one of my favorites, for it’s beautiful style, service, charm and wonderful food. We learned that a dar is traditionally a house with a modest courtyard, while a riad is a mansion with a four-part courtyard or garden and a fountain in the center. Dar Attajali has a lovely salon, or sitting room, another lounging nook in the courtyard, and a dining room up on the roof, along with an outdoor seating area to enjoy sweet mint tea and views of the medina.
Sweet mint tea, a.k.a. “Berber Whisky” - green tea, a handful of mint, and a generous helping of sugar.
Lovely rooftop lounge area looking towards the dining room
Beautiful lantern, with a view over the center of the medina, and the minaret (tower) of the Kairaouine Mosque to the right.
Rooftops of the medina
Our room opened to the courtyard
What a girly room!
Cozy sitting area in our room (which was bigger than my NYC apartment!)
Moroccan beauty secrets - natural body soap, made of olive oil and eucalyptus in the yellow tub, and natural clay shampoo in the brass dish (add water to dissolve).
View into the salon
Lounge area in the modest courtyard
Time for dinner - such a pretty setting!
Green beans with preserved lemons, topped with dried figs, and cooked carrot salad with olives and parsley.
Tomatoes with peppers and garlic, and fresh bread.
Artichoke tagine, with quince, olives and preserved lemons. Everything was delicious!
Dessert reminded me of panna cotta. This was topped with cinnamon, a commonly used spice in Morroco, and served over pomegranate seeds, apples and bananas. Even though Moroccans love sweet things (sweet mint tea, lots of honey, dates), the most common dessert was fruit.
Dar Attajali only serves vegetarian food, which was perfect for me. I can’t wait to try to make some of these things at home!
