Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I am the owner and chef of my Mediterranean restaurant, Aladdins Cafe for over 25 years. I pour my heart and soul into every dish I serve.
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My signature dishes include my fresh hummus- creamy, tangy, and perfect with fresh pita bread. I also marinate my kebabs using my own house-made spices, grilled to perfection and topped with my house garlic sauce. These are flavourful, authentic, and truly made with heart.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My Syrian background is my inspiration. Growing up in Syria, my culture is infused in each bite of every dish I make. Each bite is a reminder of my culture and family. My parents were both my inspiration to opening my own restaurant, and I made our dream come true by moving to the U.S. and opening the doors to our dream. I take pride in my food, my community, and the mission of my small business.
What would you do with the $25,000?With my strong Syrian background, it is incredibly important to honor my culture and my community. I would love to donate a portion of these winnings to Syrian refugees, to help my community, and those around me. My mother is the reason for my passion for food and community, and I choose to honor her through this donation as well. I hope to continue to serve those around me in the way that I do best- through food, community, culture, love, and flavor.
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