Ghanoujj- Magnificent Food True to Tradition
My most vivid memories, growing up as a Lebanese South African girl start from when I was 6 years old. I remember aromas of freshly ground spices, cumin, coriander, cloves.
Of my grandmother and aunts adding a large spoonful of this, an Arabic coffee cup of that, just enough water, constantly tasting and adjusting. I was mesmerized and eager to learn these ancient ways.
The best memory being at the end of these magnificent aromas, frenzied passionate chatter and laughter, all the while hands kneading, mixing, and folding was a lavish meal prepared with love, passion, and humility.
These memories are so well constructed in my mind that sometimes I feel like I am right back there.
My father has taught me to be proudly Arabian. Listening to the stories of how my family left their childhoods in mountainous Lebanese villages to make the arduous journey to start new lives the USA and finally embracing their new home, South Africa humble me.
‘And when you crush an apple with your teeth, say to it in your heart
“Your seeds shall live in my body,
And the buds of your tomorrow shall blossom in my heart,
And your fragrance shall be my breath,
And together we shall rejoice through all the seasons” ‘
Khalil Gibran
Nothing came easily, but my Granny always said “Kele w new hammeek”
“Eat and you will forget your worries!”
The years of eating at our families’ tables, of teaching our ancient cooking ways, of gracing our own tables and those of our amazing food loving clients have kept the spirit and traditions of our cultures burning bright.
Gina the ‘Greek ‘in Ghanouj tells her own story. Her soul deeply entrenched in the beautiful ways of the Spartans. Her father hailing from Patra, her grandmother from Karritena and her grandfather from Athens kept the beauty of their homeland alive. Each one bringing different experiences of their ancient culture and traditional magnificent cuisine.
She remembers the house always filled with people, too much food, unrestrained laughter, uncles playing ‘tavli’. Do not forget the lambs on the spit, the ever-flowing Ouzo and of course without the breaking of plates the party would not be complete!
We combined our devotion to our separate cultures to recreate the experiences we lived. We aim to transport you into our world where traditions and ancient secrets are shared. Where tables overflow with tapas, spanakopita, hummus, tahini, tzatziki, fatayer, flat breads, moussaka, kleftiko, kaftas, dolmades and baklava diamonds to name but a few!
Journey with us, Tash, and Gina into the mystical Mediterranean. A world where our clients become family and where love, laughter and soul are served in every dish.
By Natasha Chemaly