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About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2009)
009 15 Entertainment Marrakesh provides culturally enlightening dining experience A lison F ieldhouse Staff Reporter If you're looking for a unique and fun dining experience, Marrakesh is the place to go. With hand- carved tables, low seating, dim lighting, and authentic background music, Marrakesh offers tasty Moroccan food that is eaten without utensils. Don't be put off though; for those who request it, silverware is provided. A reservation is definitely recommended, but it’s perfectly okay to show up whenever. However, depending on the time of day, waits can take up to 20 minutes. The atmosphere is amiable and bubbly, and large groups can often be found laughing it up in the corner. Waiters and waitresses dress in traditional Moroccan attire; loose clothing with rich and vibrant colors. The restaurant caters mostly to larger groups or families, but there are the occasional couples. Seating is low to the ground so be forewarned, it may be a little bit uncomfortable. However, the comfort is a small price to pay for the great food and an overall enjoyable experience. Food is paid for by person, rather than by each dish. There are three ways to order: the five course dinner ($18.50 per person), the royale feast dinner ($19.95 per person), or the mechoui ($29 per person). All three choices come with three appetizer dishes: lentil soup, salads Marrakesh and B'stilla royale, along with a dessert with mint tea. The royale feast dinner requires a party of four or more and the mechoui requires a party of eight or more. With the five course dinner, you choose however many dishes you want from the menu. There are also vegetarian options. I tried the royale feast dinner which included three chicken dishes and many more meals. Along with dinner, entertainment is provided by belly dancers. They perform at 8 two lamb dishes. Whichever way you may choose to go, know that you'll be getting your money's worth. I ended up boxing everything and bringing it home because there was so much food. You won't go home hungry and you'll have p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, so when making reservations, make sure that you'll be around to witness the belly dancing. You might even be pulled from the audience to join in the dancing (you may politely refuse if you wish). * With the great food and atmosphere also comes wonderful service. The servers are more than happy to explain specific dishes to you. If you have any requests, they immediately fulfill them. They find the perfect balance of being friendly and yet not too personal at the same time. There are two main rooms where customers may sit, but if you plan to bring a huge group, they also have large party rooms downstairs. This is the same area where the bathrooms are located but it isn't troublesome to access them. Marrakesh is a great place for families to come on the weekends, and for groups of friends to get together. Marrakesh is located on NW 21st Avenue so parking may be a little bit difficult. If you want more information visit their website at www. marrakeshportland.com. Discover your future, predicted by the stars M organ J oscelyn Staff Reporter C \ ¥ Aries (March 21- April 19) J Being cautious does n o t come easily to you, but it is crucial that you exercise $ome restraint right now. bu may have been a little too trusting of someone and this may cause some upset mid-month. Domestic chores are beginning to stack up and need some organization, «y V | jn» / Taurus (April 20 - May 20) J All those born under the sign of Taurus have a love of indulgence and extravagance. This can be a good thing, but there is a danger that you may get a little carried away right now. Take a more frugal friend with you if you have any major shopping expeditions planned! Gemini (May 21 - June 20) It's important that you stand up for your principles in the first week of the month. There is a battle to be won, and if you stay firm it will boost your confidence. Romance looks more positive now and you may receive your reward for all your understanding and patience. Cancer (June 21 - July 22) W f i It's important that you don't lose the progress that you have already made this year. The beginning of the month sees you feeling lethargic, but now is not the time to slow down. A romantic evening in the middle of the month may give you the necessary boost to keep on pushing. Leo (July 23 - August 23) There is a danger that you may make a mountain out of a molehill this month in terms of one special relationship. You need to find some perspective and an older friend should be able to help with that. At work or school, you will find that your confidence reaches new heights with good reason. Virgo (August 24 - September 22) All those born under Virgo dislike any kind of disharmony. This month you may be expending far too much energy trying to maintain friendly relationships between people when the reality is that a break up is inevitable. You should keep your energies for your own relationships right now. Libra (September 24 - October 22) Work or school will be relatively trouble free this month, which is just as well as you will be experiencing a lot of pressure in relation to an emotional issue. Someone might be too demanding. Find a gentle way of telling them that patience is the best policy to follow right now. Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) As the energy builds over the first two weeks of March you may find yourself feeling increasingly tense and irritable. However, as soon as you find a creative outlet for all that energy, you will instantly become calmer. A friend will need your support at the month's end. Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) There is an opportunity for a romantic relationship to develop this month, but only if you are willing to give someone enough time. Work or school will be pressured and you need to decide what really deserves your time. Finances may be a little rocky, but a little discipline in spending will help. yw Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) Complexity seems to be ruling your life right now. A relationship may be under stress due to some misunderstandings. At work or school, there is a new project that you are struggling to follow. Luckily, a relative or old friend will have just the advice that you need. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) It's time to slow down and take stock rather than adding new plans to your existing projects. A loved one will need a lot of attention mid month and this will mean that your personal interests have to be put on hold. Money is looking a little tricky, but there is no need to panic. Pisces (February 19 - March 20) You are trying to solve a new problem using old approaches that simply won't work. Take some time out to think carefully about what you are trying to achieve. Don't let a loved one take you for granted this month. Conflict need not result if you let a friend down gently.