It’s been four years since I studied abroad in Spain for what was by far the best four months of my life. I loved so much about the Spanish culture, food, people, nightlife and most importantly, the ability to hop on a bus, boat, plane or train and find myself in a different country for next to nothing. My favorite trip was to Morocco. A group of students from my program traveled to the beautiful country for a week, riding camels in the Sahara desert, sleeping in tents under a starry sky, finding our way through the labyrinth-esque structure of the Medina and smelling the tangy air of the leather factory. All along the way we sampled flavorful meat stewed in gorgeous clay Tangines, coupled with fluffy couscous and preserved lemons. Sweet, savory, rich and smoky; the flavors of Morocco provide a unique yet comforting combination.
I made some great friends while studying abroad and one of them is actually returning this fall to complete her masters in teaching Spanish. Prior to her voyage, we decided to meet at Tangerino in Charlestown for a true Morracan meal. On its website, Tangerino is described as ‘Casablanca chic in the heart of historic Charlestown‘. I’d been dying to try this resturant for months and jumped at the chance for a few tastes. Our original plan was to sample the ‘tapas’ on the menu. However, upon arrival, we were a little disappointed to find out that tapas could only be ordered at the bar or in the lounge and alas, we were already seated with drinks in the main dinning room. No matter, having checked out Tangerino’s fantastic menu and all of the reviews on yelp, we confidently ordered appetizers including the Chicken B’stila (delicate phyllo pie of chicken, toasted almonds, mint-yogurt sauce), 4 Layer Tuna Tartare (layers of spicy tuna, honey-mango, guacamole, scallions, cucumber, cilantro), Maine Sea Scallops (pumpkin seed encrusted scallops, artichoke salad, Grand Marnier orange glaze) and Tangine of Calamari (crispy calamari, Moroccan marinated olives, harissa aioli) – all delicious!
Maine Sea Scallops and Chicken B’stila
Tangine of Calamari and 4 Layer Tuna Tartare
While of course, all four of these appetizers arn’t authentic Moroccan, the really were quite tasty! My favorite was the Chicken B’stila; a fantastic combination of sweet and savory 
. We also made sure to order a few rounds of sangria – and as a self-proclaimed sangria aficionado – Tangerino’s were very good.
I of course have to mention the decor. The restaurant is draped in flowy, jewel-toned fabrics and the walls are adorned with pictures of burka-clad women peering at you with beautiful dark brown eyes. The fabrics create a cave-like atmosphere, illuminated with eye catching lanterns and soft candles. The atmosphere alone is a reason to visit.
Like I said, it was a little dark in there so most of my decor pictures didn’t come out. To give you an idea, the below are from the restaurant’s website:
Tangerino is on the pricey side, best suited for a special date or for ordering apps/tapas & drinks with friends. The next time I go (yes, there will absolutely be a next time ) I’ll plan to order the Chicken Tangine or make arrangements to sit in the lounge and order tapas.
Tangerino Restaurant
83 Main Street
Charlestown, MA 02129
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday:
5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday:
5:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Bar food available until 12:00 a.m.
Bon appetit!
-Christina