Marrakech – On Saturday, August 3, Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa threw a dazzling soiree to mark its 60th anniversary.
The Orangerie restaurant turned into a culinary stage for a star-studded four-hand dinner, starring acclaimed Chef Arnaud Viel and Executive Chef Ahmed Edeffaa.
Together, they whipped up a mouthwatering fusion of French elegance and Moroccan flair, making this milestone celebration an unforgettable feast for the senses.
In an exclusive interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Edeffaa beautifully encapsulated Moroccan cuisine as a flavorful journey through a rich and storied past.
He has been at Sofitel Marrakech for nearly 18 years, and for the past 9 years, he’s been serving as the executive chef.
On the sidelines of the event, he shared his insights on Moroccan cuisine from multiple perspectives: as a Moroccan, a chef, a culinary expert, and a passionate foodie.
Calling himself an ambassador of Moroccan cuisine, he mentioned, “I feel even more Moroccan when I travel abroad to collaborate with other Sofitels around the world.”
“I always bring my spices because I have to tell the story of Moroccan spices,” he stated, highlighting how these spices narrate the essence of Morocco and make a global impact on the food scene.
Describing Morocco as incredibly “fortunate” to be situated at the crossroads of trade between Asia, North Africa, and Europe, he mentioned how its location has enriched its culinary culture.
“As you know, Moroccan cuisine and Morocco itself have a history spanning 13 centuries, with numerous dynasties, starting with the Idrisid dynasty, the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad dynasty, and the Alaouite dynasty, each coming from a different region. This rich blend has given Morocco an incredible balance.”
Commenting on the 60th anniversary event and his collaboration with Chef Arnaud Viel, he shared with MWN that their long-standing friendship had always included talks of creating a dinner together.
After seven years of anticipation, this plan finally came to fruition, perfectly aligning with Sofitel Marrakech’s 60th anniversary and a beautiful celebration of His Majesty’s 25th anniversary.
Edeffaa says his pride in his identity as a Moroccan comes first, and then a chef and a food lover, as he infuses the world with the vibrant flavors of his country’s cuisine, adding his unique spice to every dish he touches.
