Wearing miniature spoons and spatulas for earrings, Suzanne Husseini entertained the Atelier Gourmand public and gave them a taste of her unique cooking. In no time, Husseini whipped up a rack of lamp coated in pistachios with frikeh and cheese stuffed dates for dessert. Her clear instructions and lively entertainment skills fascinated her public, who gave her their full attention and curiosity.

Husseini has a very intimate relation with food. It’s all about nostalgia, keeping traditions and building bridges. As an Arab immigrant in Canada, the food her mother gave her to school triggered her friend’s curiosity. In no time, her mother would give her enough food to feed all her friends and they still asked for more. “When I cook any dish, I go back down memory lane to unique souvenirs around food, how we used to sit all together and enjoy it,” explains Husseini. “I try to breathe life into everything I cook”

For Husseini cooking is a mission. “When I used to watch my mum cook, I discovered that cooking is all about love. When you feed or share your food with someone you give and gain love. For me this was a revelation, and I decided to feed the people around to feel the love. I got to people’s hearts through their stomachs. As an Arab in a foreign country because of the food, I never felt ashamed of being an Arab, on the contrary I was proud. “

Husseini insists that she did not create the Arab kitchen but what has become known as Suzanne’s touch is perhaps some small additions to the traditions. “I add a modern touch, I might change the presentation of a traditional dish, or add some enhancers that I think would work well with rest of the ingredients. But I insist on keeping the recipe genuine.”

Husseini signed her book “Cooking with Suzanne” at the Library Gourmande at HORECA. Fan of Arabic food, you know now what to look for!

HORECA offers a unique opportunity for industry players to meet and compare ideas, discover market innovations and fire up their creativity. It is also a unique occasion for those in the industry to enjoy each other’s company and to celebrate Beirut’s festival of taste in a venue where everything has been specifically designed for the occasion.

This year, France is the country of honor at HORECA 2011.