Sumer Durkee

My signature dish is Musakhan, the national dish of Palestine. Made with olive oil, sumac, onions, taboon bread, and roasted chicken, musakhan reflects the ingredients and traditions rooted in the land itself. It is traditionally prepared after the olive harvest season, celebrating the richness and quality of freshly pressed olive oil produced by families who have cared for their thousand year old olive trees that are passed down from generation to generation.

My culinary inspiration comes from my ancestors, my maternal grandmother, and Palestinians living under occupation and apartheid. Their traditions, resilience, and connection to the land continue to shape the way I cook. I use herbs, spices, and indigenous culinary practices passed down through generations to create my food. My maternal grandmother was the heart of our family kitchen, making every meal from scratch and teaching me that food is a way to preserve culture, heritage, and community.

I would donate 20% to families in Palestine and to a local organization in South Los Angeles that provides mutual aid and support for our neighbors. I would use the remaining funds to grow my home restaurant through advertising, expanding my reach, and hiring a full-time employee to help build and sustain the business.