I recently visited the Cafe Mystique on Castro across from Clift's and the Castro Theater. Apparently, it is fairly newly opened although it seems to have readily found it's 'comfort zone' as it were. The menu is primarily Mediterranean (Moroccan mostly I am told) although there are some more 'conventional' items - particularly in the breakfast part. What I had when I was there was the Pomegranate Chicken. It is slow cooked until it is very tender and juicy and is served on a base of cous-cous. There was a delightful and exotic mix of flavors and textures within the dish that I found enchanting (zucchini, fennel, parsley, mint, raisins, and pine-nuts along with the chicken and cous-cous). The dish was ? along with the soup and dessert I had with it ? simply marvelous. The soups and desserts are worth trips of their own. I should mention the garlic naan which was light and crisp and possibly the best I have ever had. Overall the food was everything I hope for when I order a meal in a restaurant but is, unfortunately, rare to find. The meal was further enhanced by the friendly atmosphere and the excellent service. I felt as if they liked having me there as much as I liked being there. And being there is something I intend to do as often as I can.\r
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As a footnote, I particularly liked the restaurant's interior itself. It is tastefully done with dark wood for the most part and with a fire place near the front that created a very comfortable ambiance. Overall it has a distinct middle-eastern feel that hints exotic places and exudes an easy charm that is a nice visual complement to the food.
Pros: Ambience, food, service
Cons: Take a cab, take muni, parking is terrible.
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