Next time you're heading to Houhai, don't forget to stop at Casablanca for a scrumptious meal that won't rob you like other restaurants in the area.

The dim lighting and plush sofas make the place great for a drink or dinner date. We started with a healthy plate of Greek salad (RMB 25) with generous chunks of feta, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, dressed in basil vinaigrette.

Although their chef has worked for many years at a popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Sanlitun, their menu has been altered to cater to Chinese tastes.

Still, Arabian chicken curry (RMB 30) will please the palate of any diner. However, we were hoping for couscous rather than white rice.

Our meal ended with the delectable deep-fried banana with two scoops of gelato (RMB 38), which tickled our taste buds with a contrast of taste, textures and temperature.

(That's Beijing by Jessica Wang January 4, 2008)