Have you ever been so shook you could hardly speak? 🧑🏽‍🍳

It took me 7 months to put the words together to share my journey…

Because every time I’d start recording, I’d start crying. 

Then I saw the cover of Edible OC and started bawling. 😭😭 I didn’t know my story would become THE COVER STORY!

I am still unpacking all of the emotions I felt on that New Years eve 2023 when we touched down in Cairo and 23 years of dreaming about coming back with my family came true.

From north to south, east to west, I hungered for this moment, and replayed back the scenes of growing up and living there as an adult. 

And It was nothing short of spectacular. 💫

Sure it was great to see the pyramids again and ride a camel, and you should do that, too.

But I want you to seek out the little things. 

The sunsets that don’t do a picture justice.  The warmth of the people who only want to make you happy. 

The care that goes into the food that could bring you to tears.

A coffee so strong it’ll make you speak Arabic. 🔥

I didn’t realize that a piece of chicken could make my heart so happy!

That a cup of Turkish coffee could bring me so much content.

At the end of the day, it’s never just about the food or the drink.

It’s about knowing you belong, that you are loved, and that you have roots – wherever you plant them.

There is nothing that can break down barriers and walls like seeing and experiencing the world outside our 4 corners.

I got to share just a tiny glimpse of that feeling in this issue of Edible Orange County magazine. 

I hope you read it and know…the world is waiting for you to take a bite. 🧑🏽‍🍳