Moroccan in the very upper east side @La Shuk

Address: 1569 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10029 (~101th & Lex)

Website: lashuknyc.com

The City (NYC) is famous for its multiple dining destinations of every cusine imaginable, basically something for everyone. Authentic Morrocan food, though, is a rare sight. Venturing further north of the familiar “frou frou” area of Upper East Side, we find an unassuming and cute Moroccan joint La Shuk. Yes, those new to the city might be questioning the location and grubby surroundings of this place, but the food I can assure you is not bad and definitely safe.

La Shuk, a relaxing space with windows opening out to the streets, sports a good size menu of appetizers and generous sized mains. Its cooking though, leans toward what you find in most Middle Eastern restaurants, and was nothing spectucular. Its dips and small sharing plates are a very good deal (2 for $15/ 5 for $20), along with a main to share you are set for a dinner of 2 people. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for authentic Morroccan food or a meal to rememeber, you will be leaving disappointed.

Vegetarian Cigar

• Spinach, Honey, Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion in Phyllo Dough
• Minty filling of salty goats cheese paired with a sweet honey sauce.
• Portions on the small side but understandable for the price. A cute appetizing dish to start.

Olive Hummus and Pita – left

• Homemade Creamy Ground Chickpea topped with Marinated Green Olive, served with a Toasted Whole Wheat Pita
• Very creamy with good tahini flavors. Olives were a bit unnecessary.

Roasted eggplant salad -red, on right of pita

• Roasted Puree Eggplant with Tahini, Served with A Toasted Whole Wheat Pita
• Spicy and tomato based, an unusual take on the popular Baba-Ganoush.
• Again, very tasty, where you can taste the eggplant.
• Pita was very dry for both dips, though healthier than the normal Pita, was a miss.

Chicken Bastilla

• Layers of Crispy Filo Pastry filled with Chicken, Almond, seasoned with Exotic Spices-Served with Side or Romain, Cranberry, Carrot, Sunflower Seed Salad
• Chicken a bit dry, but had a good balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• One of the more authentic Moroccan dishes of the evening.

Classic Shashuka

• Baked Egg Cooked in Our Exotic Spiced Tomato Sauce. Served With Olive Hummus, Arabic Salad and Toasted Whole Wheat Pita
• An interesting dish with a boiled egg on top and strong tomato flavors.
• Egg was dry, thankfully the creamy hummus saved the dish.
• OK but not spectacular.

Marrakesh Tagine with Grilled Chicken

• Long Simmered Stew, Seasoned with A Traditional Blend of Spices and Herbed, Pickled Lemon and Green Olive
• Tender chicken with good Moroccan spices and seasoning.
• Rice was too lemony and overpowered the entire dish.
• A good main, albeit the washing liquid (artificial lemony) tasting rice.