Moroccan culture highlights meal at Tangier

BOULDER – We learned a new word the moment we set foot inside Tangier Moroccan Cuisine. “Marhaba – means welcome,´ said owner-chef Khalil Ben Mellah, as we walked into his restaurant. That was just the beginning of Khalil’s (“like Khalil Gibran,” he told me) gracious treatment of his guests.

We were given the option of sitting on well-stuffed floor cushions or in typical Western-style chairs. As we settled in, we noticed the complex Middle Eastern music, the vibrant wall colors, the enticing aroma.

Our waiter answered all our questions about the ingredients and preparation methods of menu items and, after we ordered,…