ike any seasoned diner, when I go out on the town I expect a decent meal, good service and, if I’ve chosen my companion wisely, some tantalizing dinner conversation. Some restaurants meet the grade, others employ mediocrity and occasionally, some fail miserably, but it’s rare that I leave a place thoroughly satisfied and wondering when I can return (and dinner companions are a whole other story). However, as luck would have it, I recently discovered dining bliss and left with not only my hunger satiated, but my spirits vastly lifted. Meet Gastown’s newest spot - Le Marrakech.

Vancouver’s been waiting for Moroccan for some time. Owners Abdel Elatouabi and Leo Fouad had planned to open this spring, but permits weren’t so forthcoming and the city was left “Moroccanless”. In the meantime, a charming Gastown café (the Kasbah Bazaar) opened, but it’s just not the full experience that Le Marrakech offers.

Upon arrival at the more upscale eatery, you are greeted by the Moroccan-attired servers who will generously pour rose water over your street-weary hands (we’re not at a spa, but I like this already). Shuffle up or down to the seating areas that are stocked with authentic furnishings, shipped directly from the home country. The walls are painted firey-red with gold accents and the room is softly lit for maximum comfort. The scene is set.

Ever the cocktail queen, I choose a delicious variation of the mojito - blood orange syrup, lime, mint, Havana rum, and Grand Marnier. My companion goes for the “Rif” with fresh lychee, lime, elderflower cordial, lychee liqueur, orange vodka, white cranberry and campari (both $7). I sneak a sip and it too is delightful.

We start with a trio of salads – Les Salades De Fez (no relation to Wilmer Valderrama). They prove to be a flavourful selection of oven roasted eggplant, grilled peppers, and a minced tomato and cucumber combination ($11). The Fruits De Mer are up next. Perfectly cooked scallops and prawns atop a house made harrissa with mint puree ($16).