la maison du couscous, closed?

[maunakona]

does anyone know about la maison du couscous in bayridge? i've tryed to call at 718-921-2400 for reservation, but the number is not in service. they still have the website(www.lamaisonducouscous.com/), though.

[BMartin]

I was there recently and one of the owners was quite bitter about his having to close the place down. Too bad.

[gpratt]

Rachid was bitter about the lack of patronage in the neighborhood. I wouldn't say it was overpriced, but people in Bay Ridge tend to lean toward cheap when it comes to food. And if his complaints are to be believed, the neighborhood is somewhat Balkanized: Lebanese will tend to go to Lebanese-owned businesses, Greeks patronize Greek spots, Italians prefer going to Italian shops, etc. He could have opened up a restaurant of this quality in Manhattan, but with a lot more stress and less personal attention. La Maison du Couscous was a labor of love.

My last trip out there was probably ~9 months ago. It is a hike for me (I live in NJ and take the train in), but well worth it when I had the time. (Since I started my new job, time has been in short supply.)

The food was thoughtfully prepared (and not rushed), and I always gained some insight into Moroccan cooking. Rachid could be a little overzealous, but I got used to it. As many reviewers have pointed out, he often steered people toward dishes which patrons ultimately loved. This was the only place I've ever had rabbit and enjoyed it.

We chatted more than once about his hopes for a food cart, and I wish him well in that. I think his motivation comes from what ultimately killed his restaurant: bad location. With a truck, he can move around as patronage patterns necessitate.

If he ever decides to open up another restaurant, I would try it in a heartbeat. Wherever he lands, I just hope it's in a neighborhood where locals appreciate his charm and his kitchen a little more.

[MrsT]

Yes, it is now another Greek Place. The owner was talking about closing for a while. He wanted to just open up a food cart. He said there is more money in street food.

[BMartin]

I thought the food was very good but overpriced for the neighborhood.