Marry Me, Marrakesh

After only one visit, Marrakesh Café, located in a strip center near the hellish intersection of 119th and Metcalf, is my new favorite restaurant. I’m sure more cosmopolitan cities have scads of similar establishments, but as far as I know, this is Kansas City’s only Mediterranean buffet.

You can get a gyro, salad, and a Pepsi at Marrakesh, but you’d be silly to stop there. The two lamb dishes are inspired, the stuffed grape leaves are wonderful, and the rice with shrimp is first-rate. Bluebird Café aside, the soup is the best I’ve had in Kansas City. And the baklava is insanely good.

There’s a catch. Lunch for two comes to $21.52, without leaving a tip. Tack on four more dollars for dinner. And this from a joint that makes McDonald’s seem plush. It’s worth it, but that hefty tab will limit my visits.