Last month, famed British chef Gordon Ramsay revealed the results of an Instagram competition by Pubity platform, which crowned Moroccan cuisine the “Best in the World”. Why do I mention this? Because, I recently dined at Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge to check out its three-course Moroccan menu; one which I’m happy to report featured a rich tapestry of flavours, tasty discoveries and sensory delight.
Located in Surrey’s bustling Central City, Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge offers a refined dining experience, embodying the charm and relaxed elegance of Vancouver’s West coast style, but with a decidedly elevated international flair. While there’s no denying that the ambience and décor are important considerations when dining out, it’s the cuisine I came for.
Years ago, I visited Morocco, and I immediately fell in love with its ancient cuisine – a true cultural melting pot of savours. The incredible array of ingredients born from this region perfectly fuse fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and diverse textures that create a medley of tastes that any true devoted foodie like me was enticed to explore.
So, here I was in Surrey delving into Morocco’s fare once again.
The brainchild behind the three-course set menu is Fez native, chef de cuisine Zouhair Benchiker. (The three-course set menu is offered now until the end of August). Based on the deep secrets of tradition that were handed down by his mother and grandmother, Benchiker told me Moroccan cuisine holds a special place in his heart; one filled with memories and flavours from his childhood.
“The vibrant colours, aromatic spices, and rich, savory dishes played a big part in my family gatherings and everyday meals. The smell of simmering tagine or freshly baked bread brought a sense of comfort and joy,” says the affable chef. “Each dish carried a story or tradition, connecting me to my roots and the warmth of home. Moroccan cuisine is more than just food—it was a way to bond with my family, celebrate my culture, and savour the simple pleasures of life.”
I began my culinary adventure with the Salatat Al Jazar, a traditional raw carrot salad with an orange blossom dressing. Simple and subtle, it was a flawless combination of savory and sweet. For my main dish, I had the choice between the lamb cous cous and the beef cheek tajine. I opted for the beef cheek, which Benchiker told me was slow-cooked for four hours in a tajine, which is a traditional earthenware pot covered with a cone-shaped lid. Imbued with caramelized prunes, toasted almonds and rice, this popular Moroccan dish just melted in my mouth. To round things off was the dessert. The Jawhara is a sweet nod to Benchiker’s heritage; one that tantalized my taste buds with its layers of wispy thin fried pastry featuring pistachio, almond and custard.
My meal didn’t end there. I had to try out a couple of the restaurant’s popular items. Skye serves revisions of traditional local cuisine and international dishes with a global twist. With a strong emphasis on fresh local seasonal produce and ample variety for all palates, the bill of fare was curated by chef Valerio Pescetelli, who is known for his work at chef Gordon Ramsay‘s Michelin-starred Savoy Grill and Per se Social Corner, Aquafarina, and The Victor Steakhouse in Vancouver.
Think Indian favourites such as paneer and Delhi ratatouille, or our west coast signature items, such as the beet salad or its eight oz organic grass-fed house ground beef on a brioche, with Fontina, truffle aioli, crunch onions, sea salt fries (Simply divine, I was told by the guests beside me). As much as I was tempted by the burger, I selected the chicken lettuce wraps and Wagyu beef carpaccio, both of which did not disappoint.
The Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge is also getting attention for its whiskey program.
Named for Scotland’s venerated Isle of Skye and the renowned whisky producers that inhabit the windswept island, whiskey aficionados will be in awe. With 1340 different labels from around the world, Skye Avenue boasts Canada’s largest whiskey collection and the fifth largest collection in the world. I took one look at the stylishly illuminated bar with towering bottles of whiskies, and I was impressed. Although, I’m not a whiskey drinker, my partner tasted three, one from B.C., and two from Scotland. Aromatic, all were peaty and smooth.
“The restaurant purchased a private collection that spanned two decades,” says Stacy Kyle, its whiskey curator. “The collection is heavily focused on Scottish whiskeys. We also carry 200 Canadian whiskeys from Ontario and B.C. craft distilleries.”
At Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge enjoy classic West coast dishes, as well as a number of globally inspired dishes, but whatever you choose, make sure you bring a camera as this restaurant really offers the wow factor! Now until the end of August, Skye Avenue Kitchen + Lounge is featuring its Moroccan $49 three-course set menu. —Michelle Hopkins
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