The Arabesque Table: A Conversation with Reem Kassis

Cuisine can connect Palestinians between generations, borders, and timezones; writer, chef, and author of the new book “The Arabesque Table” (Phaidon, 2021), Reem Kassis understands this like no one else. Raised in Jerusalem, Kassis is an acclaimed author and chef who weaves together stories of her upbringing and life with contemporary Palestinian and Arab recipes.

Reem Kassis will be joined by Palestinian writer, Zeina Azzam for a converastion about food and Palestinian identity.

About the book: The Arabesque Table is a one-of-a-kind collection of original contemporary recipes from across the Arab world from acclaimed author Reem Kassis. The book takes inspiration from the traditional food of the Arab world, weaving Reem Kassis’s cultural knowledge with her contemporary interpretations of an ancient, remarkably diverse cuisine. She opens up the world of Arabic cooking today, presenting a mosaic of 130 delicious, accessible home recipes — from simple salads to flavorful mains and fragrant desserts. Organized by primary ingredient, her narratives formed by her experiences and influences bring the dishes to life, as does the book’s vivid photography.

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