F. C., formerly with the Imperial Fez, and his partner Sami A. Samir have transformed what was once a Laundromat into one of Atlanta's most notable dining experiences - Casbah Moroccan Restaurant. For a brief period the restaurant, located next to Babette's Cafe, was known as Casablanca. However, another company had rights to that name thus the new moniker.

The ceilings and walls have been draped with tapestries and lush fabrics making the restaurant seem like a Moroccan celebration tent.

Customers can sit on benches, cushions or small, comfortably padded stools while dining at the round tables. During the course of the evening belly dancers glide over the Moroccan rugs throughout the restaurant. The ambiance has such an authentic feel that it would serve perfectly as a scene for an Indiana Jones movie.

Based on the action of other diners during our visit, it seems appropriate to tip the belly dancer by placing dollar bills into her outfit.

The only downside to our Friday night visit was the drive from Sandy Springs and parking. Although there are parking spaces behind the building we had to park on the street about three blocks away. However, these inconveniences were minuscule compared to the richness of our dining experience.

The waitress greeted us quickly and explained the nuances of Moroccan dining to us. It is customary to eat with your hands using bread like a utensil to scoop, or perhaps a better word in the South is sop, up your food. Silverware will be provided for those less adventurous. But using your hands helps to further authenticate the experience.

The meal begins when your server brings over a large silver bowl. You place your hands over the bowl and water is poured over them to make sure they are clean. Then dry them with your napkin. The process is repeated after the meal and rose water is sprinkled on your hands.

For appetizers we ordered were the Festival of Moroccan Shlada ($5) and the Cornish hen bastila ($5).

The festival was a sample of four Moroccan salads. The selection changes so be sure to ask your server what assortment is available during your visit.

We were treated to beets, carrots with rose water, an eggplant dish and potatoes. Each dish had a different flavor which quickly awakened our taste-buds to be alert for what other delights laid ahead.

The bastila also proved to offer an interesting mix of tastes. It was a philo dough pastry stuffed with boneless Cornish hens, almonds and spiced egg. Although the dish is a meat entree, it was sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. A surprisingly tasty combination. Cornish hen mashmash ($12) with a side of vegetable couscous ($5) was Jenny's choice for an entree. I opted for the Sultan's Katbane Feast ($19).

The mashmash was Cornish hen with apricots. Our taste-buds were both tap dancing thanks to the honey nutmeg sauce which topped the bird. The dish was also covered with cooked apricots, raisins and sesame seeds. The accompanying mountain of couscous was the perfect side dish.

My dish was appropriately called a feast. I was served three large skewers. One loaded with beef, one with lamb and one with chicken. Each piece of meat was tender and perfectly grilled. The accompanying rice was lightly spiced with saffron.

Even my after dinner coffee brought another spice flavor, clove the table.

My taste-buds experienced so many different spice sensation during the meal that it was like a child on Christmas eve. When I got home I could not my taste-buds to sleep. the entire experience was such delight that during the entire meal Jenny and I kept thinking of friends who we wanted to bring back to Casbah to share experience.

Don't let unadventurous taste buds keep away from the Casbah. Each dish served bring so many taste sensations to the table that your belly will soon be dancing.