Chef, cookbook writer and food photographer Barbara Massaad has big, bubbly red hair and a big, bubbly personality. Already well known in foodie circles as the author of cookbook bibles Manoushe, Mezze and Mouneh, she is also President of Slow Food Beirut.
Barbara came first to Motto for lunch one spring afternoon, and was
inspired by the homey atmosphere and Nimal’s cooking, to return as a
chef with her son and culinary student Albert.
This week Barbara returns
with a selection of Lebanese Mezze from her cookbook, ‘Mezze: A Labor
of Love’. We caught up with her, in between shopping for Motto, TV
interviews and preparations for the fundraising reception for her latest book, Soup for Syria. She is truly a chef on a mission.
How did you choose this week’s menu at Motto, among all the delicious dishes in the book?
I chose the recipes according to what I felt like having my family
eat on this special weekend. My husband and his brother are celebrating
their birthday and so the whole family will come and dine to celebrate.
You see Motto is my second home away from home…
How did you first come across Motto, and what were your first impressions?
I heard about it through friends, and was intrigued about the concept
because it goes with the philosophy I adhere to… I think it’s nice that
customers who come decide on the fee they want to pay. It also breaks
down social barriers and people who could not afford to eat in a
restaurant are more apt to do so with this formula.
How do you think Motto reflects the principles of Slow Food?
It’s fair… and the philosophy of Slow Food is based on good, clean
and fair. The food varies at Motto, some days are better than others –
but that is part of its charm too… It’s also clean because it’s not
commercial, therefore guest chefs come and use good wholesome
ingredients to cook as if they were cooking at home. Nimal also treats
cooking personally and with care, and you can tell the difference…
We’ve heard so much about your current project, Soup for Syria.
All the proceeds from the sales are going to the refugee food appeal.
That is an incredible feat! What do you hope the book will achieve?
Awareness! I hope it will break barriers of animosity among Lebanese
and Syrians and create a bond that would enable Lebanese to help those
who are fleeing Syria because of war.
Soup for Syria is on sale this week at Motto, and you’re holding a fundraising reception on 20 October.
Will you come and cook soup at Motto this winter?
Of course.
What are your top tips for aspiring young food writers and photographers?
JUST DO IT. Don’t think too much about it. Just follow your ideas, no
matter how crazy they may be. Everyone made fun of me when I spoke of
doing a book on the man’oushe – including friends. The book became a
bestseller and is still selling all over the world.
You can meet Barbara this week at Motto, where she is serving
her Mezze menu on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (8-10 October). To
book, SMS 70954057. Full details and updates on our Facebook page. As always – pay what you think is fair.
