Abigail Cafe and Deli, Alameda--Moroccan-Italian

[rccola]

Moroccan food with Italian specialties too!

Beautiful Bay view of the City makes the drive to 1132 Ballena Blvd in Alameda worth it for deliciousand oh so reasonable Moroccan food: chicken tagine smothered in olives and preserved lemons, served with rice, potatoes, cooked carrots and beets. Lentil soup, too. Friend had the meatball sandwich half n' halved with eggplant parm on wonderfully crusty bread--less than $8. Whole meal was $17 for two, with lots of sample tastes of other dishes.

Owners couldn't be nicer or more accomodating. Great place for relaxing lunch or dinner soaking up the view and the relaxing atmosphere--and really not all that long a drive! Catering, too.

[Martin Strell]

We just went to check it out. The sandwiches were decent, but the Moroccan specialties are on Thursdays only.
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[Martin Strell]

They now serve Moroccan dinner on Saturdays. We just came from a special Father's Day Sunday edition, but I presume Saturdays are about the same. $25 for a fixed meal, including salad, very tender stewed chicken with olives, lamb shank in couscous, pistachio ice cream and mint tea, with a belly dancing show. We enjoyed the meal and left very full. They allow you to bring you own wine, with no corkage fee. We took the kids, who enjoyed playing with the kids of the owners, including the eponymous Abigail.

[Ruth Lafler]

Sound like fun! Same price for the kids or is there an a la carte option.

[Martin Strell]

Yes, it was a fun evening, Ruth. They didn't charge for the kids (4 and 8 year olds). There was plenty of food for us to share with them, and the kids got their own ice cream, bread and tea at no charge. They offered to bring salad for the kids too, but we declined.

[Ruth Lafler]

Thanks for the tip! Note that it's only open for lunch and prepared foods -- hours are 9:30-4:00 (4:30 on Sunday, closed Monday). According to yelp, the Italian offerings sound like real NY Italian (by a NY Italian chef).

Abigail Cafe & Deli
1132 Ballena Blvd
Alameda, CA 94501

[rccola]

thanks, Ruth. I always do manage to screw up, don't I? Wouldn't want someone to drive there for a non-existent dinner.