marrakech

Dar Les Cigognes & The Sanssouci Moroccan Cooking School | Marrakech, Morocco

Dar Les Cigognes & The Sanssouci Moroccan Cooking School | Marrakech, Morocco

Whenever we visit a new country or culture, our favorite 'experience' is joining a cooking class.  We have taken a "French Market Cooking Class" in Paris, a "Cambodian Cooking Class" in Siem Reap and now... a Moroccan Cooking Class in Marrakech. 

I find the best way to get to know a new culture is through food. What people eat explains a lot about their society, landscape, environment and rituals. 

Living in the US, we have the option of almost EVERYTHING, and there are new restaurants, and interesting takes on cuisines constantly popping up.  But when we travel somewhere remote... we find that there are usually one or two specialties that the area is known for... and most likely, its exactly the same as what they were eating 1000 years ago.

And in Morocco... that is Tajine & Couscous.  

Dar Les Cigognes: Our Riad Oasis in Marrakech, Morocco

Dar Les Cigognes: Our Riad Oasis in Marrakech, Morocco

The maze like streets of Marrakech are filled to the brim with wonderful little hidden apartments called riads. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace built around an interior garden or courtyard. Many of these have now been converted into boutique accommodations. The most spectacular feeling about a riad is - after spending a full day on the chaotic streets of the souks... walking into this calming hidden oasis you call home.

We decided on Dar Les Cigognes. For three reasons...