From a young age, I was fascinated by the sights and smells of food cooking in the bustling shuks of the Middle East. The vibrant colors of the spices, the sizzle of fresh ingredients hitting the pan, and the rich aromas filling the air sparked a love for cooking that has stayed with me ever since. But just as important as the food itself were the moments it created. Some of my fondest memories are of sitting down to meals with my mother and grandmother, or gathered around a crowded table with my enormous family of cousins and uncles. Food was never just about eating—it was a reason to come together, to share stories, laughter, and love. That deep connection to family and tradition is what inspires every meal I create today.