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Union Square Cafe has the best bar nuts of all time.  These are aren’t a perfect replica and slightly spicier, but not too far from the original.

• 4 cups unsalted almonds
• 2 T melted butter
• 3 t brown sugar
• 3 T fresh finely chopped rosemary or thyme
• 1 t ground cardamon
• 1-3 t cayenne and/or Piment d’ Espelette (depending how spicy you like it)
• sea salt to taste

Melt butter with spices and herbs, toss with nuts, and bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes.

Taguenza is a little beach fish shack/hut WAY off the beaten path on the beach in Essaouira, a favorite escape of Les Soeurs Miserables.  Everything is grilled perfectly, seasoned with a small amount of salt and pepper, and served with fresh lemon.  Really doesn’t get much better than this.

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Kelley and I arrived in Marrakesh on Saturday morning and went almost immediately to Jardin Majorelle for lunch with my sisters (“Les Soeurs Miserables”).  This was a great introduction to Moroccan food — bold in flavor and bright in color.  I had the classic tajin for lunch with chicken and prunes (above).  It was every bit as flavorful as a good curry, but much lighter.

“Le Petit” with a ginger, mint, pineapple drink.

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