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| 3940 4th AV #110 San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 295-5560 kouskous@sbcglobal.net |
| Naomi Wise, San Diego Reader Very Good to excellent " Maybe I've got Moroccan stardust in my eyes, but I think I've found the ideal neighborhood restaurant. The food at Kous Kous is delicious, authentic, and healthful -- and a bit too exotic to readily cook at home. The atmosphere is relaxing and sensual. The staff run the restaurant as though they're entertaining friends -- and entertaining is an apt description. You feel as if you're enjoying an intimate dinner party at the home of bright, witty friends who keep you laughing as they teach you about the cooking of their homeland.".... The Best of Tastes, 2006 By Naomi Wise Published January 4, 2007 Best New Ethnic Restaurant: Kous Kous (3940 Fourth Avenue, Suite 110, downstairs, below street level, Hilllcrest, 619-295-5560). The Moroccan food at Kous Kous is delicious, authentic, and healthful -- and a bit too exotic to readily cook at home, making this something like an ideal neighborhood restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxing and casually sensual. The staff run the restaurant as if they're entertaining friends. And you don't have to sit on the floor to partake of the unique, richly seasoned cuisine from an ever-expanding menu. You sit at tables with chairs, making the experience less "Arabian night out" and more about enjoying great cooking and charming service, bistro-style. http://www.sdreader.com/published/current/wise.html Franck Sabatini Jr. GLT Magazine. Outstanding An occasional waft of incense perfumes the air while an intriguing selection of world music played at low decibels sets the stage for what have been foolproof meals for everyone I know who's eaten here so far.... http://www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=8357 User Review Hidden but very nice by: Greg Jan 6, 2007 Rating: If you can find Kous Kous you will be pleasantly suprised. We drove past it two times before realizing that it is in the downstairs (literally downstairs below the side walk) in the building with a martini bar upstairs. Parking in Hillcrest is not the easiest, but you can park next door in the pay parking structure for free when dining at Kous Kous. The service was great! From the hostess that seated us, to the waitress, and finally the owner/chef who came by at the end to make sure everything was all right. The owner is from Moracco and actually bought most of the fixtures there and shipped them over to the US in a cargo ship. When you walk in you will notice many authentic Morocca light fixtures that go perfect witht the rest of the aumbience. The food was also very good. I would recommned this anyone wanting a good meal and a unique dining experience. Great New Ethnic Addition to Hillcrest by: Sheila Jan 6, 2007 Rating: If you're thinking of going to Kous Kous, when you're driving by, look for a restaurant at ground level. It's physically located in a basement and the red neon signs are only about eye level on the street. It's easy to miss. Then, go into the $5 parking garage next door and park there if you can find a spot. You can get a validation coupon from the Hostess at Kous Kous to put in your car window that provides 2 hours of free parking. Given the lack of street parking in this busy Hillcrest area, the free parking garage is a great feature. They share the garage with another restaurant -- so, earlier is better. When I first realized that Kous Kous is in the basement, I was a bit turned-off by my perceptions of a cold, damp place. Well-- the owners (brothers and sisters from Marakkesh, Morrocco) have done an awesome job in decorating the room so that it feels airy and comfortable. The owner, who is also the chef, stopped at our table and told us that he imported all the decorations from Morrocco and that there are about 120 original Moroccan style lamps, authentic couches and setees, a beautiful wood work archway that frames a large mirror to also provide the allusion of openess, fabrics used as decorative curtains, wall art, etc. They also had the good sense of providing regular dining tables and chairs so you don't have to eat sitting on cushions or other less comfortable options. I really enjoyed the food! We started with the Full Sampler for two ($7 each), which was a delight. It had one plate with the roasted eggplant, carmelized carrots, and roasted tomoatos and another plate with Moroccan potato salad and a type of salsa --- all served with warm grilled pita slices. It's a great start to the meal and perfect for sharing and experiencing a variety of flavors. For the main course, they had an excellent fish special that evening and we also tried the traditional Lamb Tangine. The lamb was delicious and slow cooked in a personal-size tangine that was brought to the table. The meat just melted off the bone -- no knife required. It was served with a dried fruit type of sauce and an individual bowl of kous kous with almonds on the top. The waitress brought out an additional little ramekin of sauce in case we wanted the dish to be more moist -- but, it wasn't necessary. They also had a few vegetarian dishes, the traditional brochettes/kabobs, and some other fish options. It looks like it could have something for everyone. We even saw a young child enjoying the quesadilla appetizers (of course, they were done Moroccan style with honey lamb or saffron chicken) In addition to the tasteful ambiance and good food, we also had wonderful service. The chef's sister was the Hostess who greeted us at the door and offered the validation tickets. Our waitress was very attentive and explained some of the dishes and their origination and spice blends, and helped us with the wine selection. Overall --- go give it a try! http://www.gregsguide.net/restaurants By Erin Glass SIGNONSANDIEGO STAFF WRITER Hey, get your flying carpets away. At Kous Kous, Moroccan magic doesn't rely on gimmicks. Intensely flavored cuisine, a moody atmosphere and chef Moumen Nouri's personable touch make the Hillcrest restaurant a neighborhood favorite in the making....... http://entertainment.signonsandiego.com/profiles/places/place.2007-03-20.0851293125 |
