The Flying Carpet
Story by Anne Gessler
“In every culture, we create food. It’s an art form and language we all speak.”When Abderrahim Souktouri moved from Morocco to Austin he could not bear to part with his country’s rich food traditions and hoped to one day open his own Moroccan restaurant. In the middle of an economic downturn that threatened their family’s security, Abderrahim and his wife Maria Souktouris spent their last savings on opening The Flying Carpet. After a hot, chaotic summer that Maria Souktouri describes as “a beautiful nightmare,” the trailer now has a steady stream of customers and is preparing for a busy spring season. The trailer sits beneath a large oak tree amidst small tents selling jewelry and preserves on Gibson Street and Congress Avenue. “Morocco has souks like this,” says Maria Souktouri. “You can find anything from expensive gold to sandwiches. People just pull them out of a cooler. It’s a feast for eyes and nose.” Indeed, the food in the Moroccan souks inspired The Flying Carpet’s menu, which includes Moroccan burgers served on flatbread, smothered with a tomato reduction sauce flavored with a spice combination courtesy of Abderrahim’s grandmother, and topped with a fried egg.
Yet Maria’s Mexican American heritage has also left its mark on the Flying Carpet’s repertoire. Their Afrique and citrus sauces includes chili pepper, not found in traditional Moroccan dishes. Indeed, Maria’s philosophy on food reflects the importance of intercultural dialogue through food. “In every culture, we create food. It’s an art form and language we all speak. If you are fearful of a person or culture, go sit down and have meal with them. In those moments you might see that you are more alike than different.”You can find The Flying Carpet and all its tasty treats at 1318 S. Congress Avenue in Austin, TX.