Second chance

About 10 years ago, when vegan-friendly restaurants were fewer and far between, Cafe Morocco's (1221 Alhambra Boulevard, Suite 107) North African and Middle Eastern menu was an exciting prospect. However, my first visit there was a gastronomical disappointment, and it wasn't until recently that I gave it a second chance. Inside, the place looks as it did a decade ago, with its colorful regional décor. I ordered the vegetarian combination dinner—enough to stuff two bellies, with soup or salad (ask for the latter without feta cheese), baba ghanoush, a drink, dessert and choice of entree. The “musaka” was the right choice: This thick, delicious stew of garbanzo beans and vegetables in a rich tomato-based sauce served alongside rice redeemed that first, long-ago meal.