Learn all about Levantine cuisine from us before heading to an Arabesque pop-up dinner in Andheri
Chef Nicola Kadmos
Get ready to transport yourself to a Mediterranean souk this week and explore the flavours of Levant. Curated by Nicola Kadmos, chef de cuisine, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, the pop-up will include a mix of indulgent meaty dishes and some light mezze platters, too.
Knafeh Bulbul
Kadmos shares eight things you need to know about the rich food culture of the region.
- Levant or eastern Mediterranean countries are essentially those on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. That part of the sea is also referred to as Levantine Sea. The major countries are Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece, Syria and Israel. Food habits and techniques more or less remain the same for the entire region.
- There is a strong focus on fresh ingredients and vegetables, and herbs play a key role in the classic dishes.
- Flat breads are an integral part of every meal, the name of which may vary from place to place, but the underlying idea and technique remains same. We always serve Arabic round bread (kobuz) during our meals.
Samak Harra
- Spit roasting, grilling, baking and frying are the most commonly used cooking methods.
- Breakfast always includes dairy products like labneh, cheese and milk. This is how the older generation starts their day to get enough energy. Also, these products are always available at home. Levant food is rich, especially lunch, which is high on protein and natural fat.
Kibbeh
- For dinner, people tend to choose traditional dishes like magdoos, labneh and olives. Nowadays, people add mixed grills to the dinner list with salad and drinks.
- Desserts hold a prominent spot in the cuisine. We have a huge variety of confectionery and sweets. Specialised pastry sheets, nuts and dry fruits, and syrups form an integral part of this course.
- Our cold-cooked mezzes are very healthy and we only use olive oil while cooking them. The traditional way of serving food is on the floor, where people sit in a circle and have their meal. We use Arabic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and the special seven spice in most of our dishes.
TILL August 31, 7 pm to 11.30 pm
AT JW Cafe, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Andheri East
CALL 33951629
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