There are some things that are more important than the food. Namely, the first time you meet the people that you will be traveling around the country with over your first dinner together.
When we arrived at Casa Jose Tapas, I was excited.
Kim ordered us a selection of foods. the Octopus, Papas Fritos, Paella, Croquettes (mushrooms, shrimp, garlic) and Grilled Fish – among other dishes – were passed around with delight.
I will say that I wish a certain individual had more tact and interest in group dynamics and didn’t bring up politics, religion and sex in Muslim culture during our first dinner together. This led to this person monopolize conversing with our tour guide, Rachid, in such a way that it felt like a provocative “look at me” performance.
But, as I’ve stated in A 10 Day Moroccan Adventure with Kim Larkin Adventures – one needs to be mindful of the character they present in the start of a trip. Because group dynamics will make sure you reap what you sow in the end.
Dessert was chocolate cake, citron pie, Crème brûlée and lemon sorbet with vodka.
Everything was finishing up well. Kimberly tipped them even over the customary 10% – and the staff said that she shorted them money. To which Kim said that she wanted to recount it. So, they gave her a stack of dirham – which wasn’t even the original amount. How did she know? Very simple – there was a 50 dirham note in the stack they gave back – which was not in the original amount that she gave them. Plus, as I had been sitting next to her while she was counting, I knew that she was correct.
So – I say this very explicitly: If you are at a cash only restaurant, bring your server over to count the bill with you. Period. Do not trust that someone will not short change you and lie. Do not think that claims of “we have cameras, we can check them if you want” is anything other than a manipulation technique. In my opinion, a staff member pocketed money and lied. And because we were in a group setting, they thought they could get away with it. The matter was eventually settled with another 200 dirham note. But, the principle of the matter remains.
I will say that the food at Casa Jose Tapas was decent. However, the drinks were also severely watered down. The menu items aren’t correct (they didn’t have or ran out of things people wanted to order). And service for tapas was rather slow. But, in the end, it was food.
One thing is for sure – I was definitely introduced to Moroccan culture.
Casa Jose Tapas
279 Av. Mohammed V, Rabat 10000 Morocco
