Camacho Watcho

After making a date to grab lunch with a friend who works in St. Paul, I did some research to get some options. I could have picked one of my usual favorites in St. Paul, but I wanted to try someplace new and I was very pleased to find several great options. After deliberating, the one that had my attention was the Barbary Fig.

Unlike many businesses on Grand Avenue, the Barbary Fig is nestled in a two-story house with a large patio out front. As it was cold out, however, we forewent eating outside and instead were led upstairs to the dining room where we sat in a table by the window. The first thing I noticed was the crowd, or lack thereof. This was my first visit, so I’m not sure if it does not usually gather much of a lunch crowd, but I have to admit that I was a little disappointed. Looking on the bright side, however, it ensured excellent service.

We settled into our table and took in the surroundings. The tables and chairs are all very dark wood and are contrasted beautifully by the colorful walls, ceiling and napkins. But wait, I don’t mean colorful in a generic way…colorful to the Barbary Fig means that the walls and ceiling are painted in bright yellows and oranges and that the napkins are the most brilliant shade of purple you can imagine. But somehow this does not seem overdone and the effect puts an instant smile on your face.

Barbary Fig’s lunch menu is small, but has wonderful flavor combinations that reflect its Moroccan roots. I immediately decided what I wanted to order and then promptly changed my mind once I heard the special. Tender chicken stewed in a custard sauce with tumeric and cinnamon, wrapped in flaky phyllo and topped with sauteed bell peppers and zucchini and a pear, apricot and fig chutney. I had to have it. And when it arrived, I savored each crunchy, sweet and cinnamony bite.

My friend’s order, which was on the lunch menu, was also flavorful and delicious. It was a combination of sausage, egg, and peppers that resembled a breakfast scramble (and you know how much I love a good breakfast scramble). Let’s just say that we did not leave a bit of food on our plates.

Overall I really enjoyed the Barbary Fig and look forward to returning sometime to try out their dinner menu and the patio. Although it did lack a lunch crowd, the service and the food were fantastic. In the midst of the bustle of Grand Avenue, the Barbary Fig is a colorful retreat for the senses.

Barbary Fig
720 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN
651.290.2085