The Sultan's Tent

Charred Seafood Salad

Having frequented this establishment for quite some time now, I thought it only befitting to dedicate this next blog post to what my mentor and I fondly refer to as "The Tent"—The Sultan's Tent, that is. Located in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood, right across the street from the Flatiron Building, The Sultan's Tent & Café Moroc figures on my list of top Toronto restaurants and is sure to please even the most discerning diners among us.

M'Hancha

Specializing in Northwest African cuisine with a French Mediterranean influence, this beautifully adorned restaurant serves a sumptuous array of traditional dishes amidst a regal yet cozy backdrop—an elegant setting that momentarily transports you to a time and a place evocative of a sultan's palatial grounds. In fact, upon entering the establishment, you can't help but admire the luxurious hand-woven rug (a gift from the King of Morocco, no less) that graces the right-hand side of the wall and lends itself well to the restaurant's lavish interiors.

There are so many tantalizing items on their lunch, dinner, and dessert menus that I'm reluctant to steer your attention to those I consistently gravitate towards. However, here are some notable mentions that will perhaps whet your palate and provide you with a glimpse into what you can expect:

• Charred Seafood Salad: seared shrimp, scallops, and calamari, served over a bed of lettuce and drizzled with Champagne vinaigrette and a saffron emulsion (as I find the saffron emulsion, loaded with a tad too much mayonnaise, a bit overpowering for what is otherwise a light, refreshing appetizer, I always request that the chef go easy on this component)
• Grilled Vegetable Pita: seasoned grilled vegetables, broiled with Swiss cheese and served with fig jam and cardamon yogurt
• Mango Salmon: pan-seared fillet, topped with mango salsa and served with saffron basmati rice and Moroccan root vegetables
• Seafood Royale: seared jumbo shrimp, scallops, mussels, and calamari, served over a bed of saffron rice in a hearty lobster broth
• M'Hancha: crisp pastry roll, wrapped around slivered almonds and honey-enrobed raisins and sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Consider this the sexy and much more sophisticated version of the classic Cinnabon roll. Mmm ... one of the most gratifying desserts ever.
• Mint Tea: Moroccan loose-leaf tea, sweetened and steeped with fresh mint leaves—so soothing that you'll end up sipping several cups of this before you'll want the bill to arrive.

The menu speaks for itself, doesn't it? Bon appétit!

The Sultan's Tent & Café Moroc is located at: 49 Front Street East (Church Street)