Aïcha reigns over the Square !

You can’t miss Stand no.1 on the Place Jemaâ el Fna. Firstly because it’s the biggest, secondly because it’s run by a woman ! Coming from a Moroccan family from Derb Dabachi, Aïcha boldly opened a little mobile stall there almost 30 years ago… Offering just omelettes, potatoes and mint tea…..at that time, the Square was a place of relaxation for  Moroccans of the neighbourhood and from the countryside, for those who came to negotiate in the souks and sleep in the foundouks ( inns)…. The stall grew bigger, the Jemaâ el Fna became a ‘must see’ and ‘Chez Aïcha’ a must eat’ ! This self-taught cook very quickly managed to expand her business and to become one of the most reputed of those listed in the Rough Guide, the Lonely Planet, Tripadvisor…..Although omlettes are still on the menu, these days we visit Aïcha mainly for her couscous,  her grilled meats and her Tangia ! As for the waiters, what can you say, they’re fast and smiling ; somewhat boastful and even multilingual, working under the sharp eye of Aïcha who watches over her fifteen employees (up to 20 in high season) from her control tower….. Her biggest dream ? ‘To one day manage a very large restaurant,  here or abroad,  why not !’ A cuisine to taste, a character to meet….. Wow ! Why not, Aïcha, as Chef at Les Jardins de la Medina for an evening ?