Aziza

"chef mourad lahlou, a native of marrakech, is a leader in modernizing moroccan cuisine and adapting it to a fine-dining setting in unprecedented ways. A self-taught chef with a natural aptitude for producing striking flavor combinations, lahlou creates beautifully plated dishes with the heart of homestyled food and the art of professionally prepared fare. At aziza, organic and locally produced ingredients are prominently featured on a thirty-dish menu that presents lahloud's unique creations and modern versions of moroccan classics. Lahlou uses rustic and refined top-quality ingredients in healthy, light preparations that make the most of the sweet and savory flavors intrinsic to moroccan cuisine. Signature dishes include chicken basteeya - saffron infused hoffman rance guinea hen - kumquat enriched niman rance lamb shank - couscous aziza. Desserts are prominently featured at aziza on a menu that changes daily. Always included is a sampling of classics prepared moroccan style, as well as a number of lighter, fruit-based offerings, which tend to be less sweet than desserts at typical moroccan eateries. Lahlou describes his cuisine as "upscale contemporary moroccan with californian influences." through aziza, lahlou strives to revolutionize moroccan cuisine, unraveling the stereotypes surrounding it and demonstrating its true potential for fine dining." -aziza website