La couscoussiere d'Ali Baba

[hungryann]

A group of friends wants to organize a get together at this unknown to me restaurant. I checked out their website and the menu is north african and it features entertainment (bellydancing). The lamb soup sounds nice. Has anyone eaten there? Is it good? I know it won't be an amazing culinary experience but I want to know if it's horrible and if I should steer the group to another venue.

[sweettoothMTL]

I went once a few years ago, with a group as well. It's definitely not horrible, I remember it as being good. Not great, but nothing bad neither, in fact, I don't have any distinct memories of it, meaning it was not memorable, but not bad either, I did not file it as never again, but it probably didn't wow me enough to insist on returning, not with all the Mtl resto I still have to try.

What I remember: Good price, the BYO helps. The decor was, as expected kitch, but that's part of what you're looking for. There was some belly dancing when we went, a Saturday, but it's a quiet show, they don't go around or bug you, they do a number or two and take a break. I don't remember the specific of the food sorry. I had a couscous dish with lamb and merguez, and a soup and brick as an entree. Don't remember the dessert.

So if you go, please let us know what you tought, to refresh my memory, I might be way off, or it might have changed.

[reelection]

"It's definitely not horrible, I remember it as being good. Not great, but nothing bad neither, in fact, I don't have any distinct memories of it, meaning it was not memorable, but not bad either, I did not file it as never again, but it probably didn't wow me enough to insist on returning"

So you're saying that you weren't wowed by it, but weren't repulsed by it either? Like you don't remember it being either delicious or unpalatable? In the sense that the food wasn't great but not disgusting, and that you don't plan on going back... but wouldn't necessarily be opposed to the idea of returning?

;)

[mak2k]

i've been a few years back for my friend's bday.. the food wasn't terrible (then again, my palette wasn't as picky as today) but i do remember the VERY VERY VERY slow service.. and yes the decore was very kitch though

[hungryann]

Ok then as long as it's not truly bad, I will not intervene and let them plan away.

[hungryann]

We went last night and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The show wasn't as cheesy as I thought it would be and the food surpassed my expectations. The couscous was flavored with lamb broth and it was lip-smackingly good. The bulgur lamb soup was also excellent. All in all, I'm glad I went and will keep it in mind for group dinners. My only other similar experience was at La Menara in Old Montreal but CAB was better in terms of food and the show.