I spent a year of graduate school in Italy and I'll never forget it. The beautiful clothes, the beautiful men, the beautiful food. Ah, it was all so very lovely.....

Pepe Nero brings it all back to me. Because in addition to Moroccan dishes, it's all about Italian. But this time in a Moroccan riad deep in the Marrakesh medina. Could it be a blend of two of my very favorite cultures? Why yes......

The courtyard fountains filled with roses..........

And the cozy little side salons with handmade zellij mosaic tilework and seating on Moroccan banquettes.

But it's the food that impressed me the most, yes, the food. Chef Khalid is so talented. The pastas are all made from scratch. The saffron risotto is sublime. And there are the sweetest little appetizers.