Being Positive is Contagious - Introducing Mamnoon

Despite every single negative event that is happening in Lebanon and in the region (Syria especially), I simply refuse to fall (however you want to interpret this).

Happy thoughts... voila! The best revenge of all, as I finish up writing my recipes for my consultancy project in the USA for next month (June). My book writings have led me to these good people (ex Microsoft employee and his CEO wife both originally from Syria / Lebanon) who are going to open a restaurant in Seattle, Washington. I am the official menu planner (love how that sounds). It's a very enriching experience. I am taking part in the birth of a special project that is very significant to this particular time in my life and theirs (and to happenings of world events). Exactly 27 years ago (when I was 15 years old, my son's age now, don't do the math), my father opened a Lebanese restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I worked hand in hand with my whole family for three years at Kebabs and Things. Today, again life is sending me back to the USA (to the extreme other side) to introduce Middle Eastern cuisine to Americans. I'm really delighted to go through this experience once more, many years later. The name of the restaurant is called Mamnoon, meaning to be thankful. I'm thankful!

So I'm packing the family and myself and heading to Seattle to live the Mamnoon experience...
more to come later on this USA / Lebanese food adventure.

Want to know more about Mamnoon? Here is a glimpse... published in the Capitol Hill Seattle Blog.

Barbara "La Boulangere Bio" "Helwe El Hayet"

Celine Hachem is another inspirational woman that I met lately on my culinary journey. She is a business woman turned bread maker. She has gone to great efforts to make a bread free from any chemically harmful ingredients—the result organic and wholesome bread. Quite impressive. The tiny bakery is so cute and charming reflecting the owner's character and personality. Celine's life has changed considerably since she opened the bakery. Her work now is a source of energy perpetuating positive vibes all around her. I highly recommend a stop at her bakery (both for the bread and for a quick chat with the owner). Sahteyn!

Barbara With Emm Sherif "Helwe El Hayet"

This is how a passion becomes a reality! Mireille Hayeck is a true inspiration to me and to many.  In the TV segment she states, "one must follow one's passion —that is the true factor to success!" How true, and so many just don't get it! (perhaps next life!) I've had the occasion to dine at her restaurant twice now and I can really say that it's close to a "food orgy", if you know what I mean! The menu is planned daily with many plates coming and going throughout the dinning experience. It's really like going on a food adventure while sitting on a table (not any table, may I add). Mireille has put her heart and soul in every single detail of the dinning experience at Emm Sherif —the name says it all. She is also owner and manager of two other restaurants: La Parilla (Argentinian steak house) and Yasmina (Indian fusion). We are proud of this woman! May she inspire many more in our country to become successful restaurant entrepreneurs.

Walid & Maysoon's Article in Mashallah News

This is an article about Walid and Maysoom of Coara, whom I really love. They are a wonderful family from the Shouf. I've included a profile of them in my book Mouneh. Here is another glimpse. Enjoy! 

+ I liked this new news platform called Mashallah, check it out! http://mashallahnews.com/?p=3024 

My Philosophy in Life

Things (circumstances) change all the time in our lives. That is what makes it so exciting. With age, maturity, and experience (which I am earning, slowly but surely) you can understand life better. I understood this concept not so long ago and now I am at peace. I wanted to share this with all of you, it might rub off and make you feel better too. The key is perseverance and belief in oneself. The rest follows. Also, the most important factor is to consider others around you leaving good vibes, positive attitude and making a difference (no matter how small or big).

I will be sharing my journey with you, one step at a time.

Thyme Travels - An Article in Saudi Aramco World

This is a special article written by a special lady, Alia Yunis and photographed by a wonderful photographer, Tor Eigeland - one of many pioneers in his field, like my dad. So please take the time to read this article because it's really worth it! + It deals with one of my favorite subjects, zaatar!
 
http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/201203/thyme.travels.htm
 

Fair Trade Lebanon : aider les petits producteurs à accéder au marché - OLJ