After graduating from high school, Meryem Cherkaoui left Morocco to study at the Institut Paul Bocuse, where she graduated in 1999, in the class of Bernard Lambert.
She honed her skills in prestigious establishments like ‘Le Majestic’, in Cannes (one Michelin star) or ‘le Crillon’ in Paris (two Michelin stars). In the kitchens of ‘Le Majestic’, she met Philippe Pesneau.
Returning to Morocco in October 2000, she became Head Chef at l'Aéropostale restaurant in Casablanca. In 2003, with Philippe Pesneau, her husband, she opened La Maison du Gourmet, in Casablanca.
Dynamic and audacious, Meyrem creates cuisine with a subtle balance between western and oriental flavors that is a reflection of her multi-cultural background and a harmonious melting pot. Attentive to novelty and in respect of the seasons, her menu changes four times a year. One of the only young female chefs in Morocco, Meyrem also participates in the promotion of gastronomy throughout the world (Hanoi, Sancerre, Amsterdam, Cannes, Beirut, Osaka…).
Award winner of the Bocuse & Co. label
In 2009, Meryem Cherkaoui was awarded the Bocuse & Co Trophy. This label aims at recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit of young chefs who are owners of their establishment and graduates from the Culinary arts & restaurant management program at Institut Paul Bocuse.
La Maison du Gourmet
159, rue Taha Houcine (ex Galilée) - Casablanca - Maroc
Tel. : +212 522 48 48 46 - www.meryemcherkaoui.com
A few dishes taken from the menu:
Foie gras cuit à la plancha, fine brioche tartinée au confit d’oignons et œuf de caille poché, petit pot de crème brûlée aux cèpes parfumée à l’huile d’argan
Ravioles à la fleur d’oranger nourries de figues et d’amandes à la cannelle, sorbet carotte orange
Harira en royale et briouates au khlii.
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