Vincent Bonnin, Morocco Tastemaker & French Chef

Vincent Bonnin, chef at Dar Roumana, Fez el Bali, Morocco. Photo by Alan Keohane
Vincent Bonnin, chef at Dar Roumana, Fez el Bali, Morocco. Photo by Alan Keohane

Special Sections: Interview with Morocco’s leading Tastemakers. Trendsetters in their fields of Art, Design & Cuisine. Fans of all things Quintessentially Moroccan. Hear What they Have to Say!

Morocco Travel Blog with Tastemaker Vincent Bonnin

Vincent Bonnin is the Executive Head Chef and Co-Manager of Dar Roumana Hotel and Restaurant in Fes. He is a French Chef who loves all cuisines!

Morocco Travel Blog:
What are some design, cuisine or artistic trends you foresee for 2016?
Vincent Bonnin:
I’m always looking for the arrival of new seasonal products in Morocco, like asparagus, wild mushrooms, stone fruits, pomegranates or figs to create new recipes and combinations, so I foresee the current trend of focusing on local and seasonal produce continuing.

Morocco Travel Blog:
What is your personal favorite place to be?
Vincent Bonnin:
Anywhere in the countryside or in my kitchen.

Morocco Travel Blog:
What is the secret equation for the perfect Morocco weekend?
Vincent Bonnin:
Going to our favorite weekend retreats in Moulay Idriss or Chefchaouen with my wife, our friends, great food and good Moroccan wine.

Morocco Travel Blog:
What was the last picture you took on your phone?
Vincent Bonnin:
I have an old-style phone with no camera because my fancy phone kept breaking! The last photo I took was of the beautiful zellige tile currently being laid on the floor of the house we are restoring in the Fes Medina.

Morocco Travel Blog:
What is on your personal bucket list to do or see in 2016?
Vincent Bonnin:
Finish my house restoration! Start a family with my wife and much much more…

Morocco Travel Blog:
What is your favorite lunch spot in Morocco?
Vincent Bonnin:
Sunday picnic on Mount Zalagh near Fes – we have a special spot with views down both sides of the mountain and we make a fire to grill fresh fish with chermoula, tahini-marinated chicken, lamb with harissa – whatever is left over in the restaurant fridge.

Morocco Travel Blog:
What is your greatest achievement?
Vincent Bonnin:
To be!

Morocco Travel Blog:
What is the last book you read?
Vincent Bonnin:
Amélie Nothomb “Le Fait du Prince”

Morocco Travel Blog:
Name a Moroccan tradition you will never try?
Vincent Bonnin:
I never say never to anything. I love adventure and new experiences.

Morocco Travel Blog:
What is the name of your favorite Moroccan artist, writer or designer?
Vincent Bonnin:
The Fassi photographer Omar Chennafi, he has a wonderful sensibility for the beauty of his culture.

Morocco Travel Blog:
What is your greatest indulgence?
Vincent Bonnin:
Cheese!

Morocco Travel Blog:
Is there anything I should know?
Vincent Bonnin:
A successful life isn’t about money. The most important things are family, love and good food.

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