Hadeel Assali is a Palestinian-American anthropologist who is interested in cultural practices around food, especially rice. She is currently a PhD candidate at Columbia University. Nahida Saker has a PhD in food science with a specialty in cheese-making on her Texas farm, Laziza Farms. She is also Hadeel's mother. Together, they will share stories about the different dishes presented in the meal.

Menu

Appetizer:
+ A refreshing cocktail with Arak (anise-flavored spirit), mint and lemon will be served upon arrival
+ Mezza - Small plates of various foods including olives, cheeses, and various dips and finger foods. Served with warm Arabic bread.

Main Dish:
+Ruzz Qidra
A fragrantly spiced rice dish with lamb cooked in clay pots in the ground or the oven. Served with yogurt sauce and Arab-style chopped salad. A vegetarian option available. Served with red wine

Dessert:
+Palestine's favorite dessert, Kunafa
A crispy on the outside, cheesy and creamy on the inside sugary treat. Served with hot mint tea