Favorite Chef: Thomas Keller

Favorite Cooking Show: Drive-ins, Diners, & Dives

Favorite Cookbook: Ottolenghi – The Cookbook

What experience most defined your decision and desire to get into the food industry?

Since my family has been in the food business since the early 50’s in Kuwait, I was expected to follow suit. I resisted at first and I set out to build an independent career. In 2001, when construction on the current Mais Alghanim in Sharq was underway, I felt I was needed and that’s when I decided to join the family business. It’s been 14 years since and today I cannot imagine myself doing anything else.

Where is your favorite place to shop for food and ingredients in Kuwait?

SAVECO in Al Rai, their selection is great and my entire family enjoys shopping there.

What food most reminds you of your mother’s house, and why?  

Every time my family and I arrive in Lebanon, it is tradition that the first meal my Mom serves is Mlukhiyeh and homemade pizza. It never gets old and it always tastes amazing.

When you want to go somewhere else to eat, where do you go and why?

I’m a big Sushi fan and have been going to Edo since it first opened. Throughout the years, the food and service has been consistently great.

Who in the world would you most like to cook for?

I love cooking for my wife. She will eat anything and everything I make and will tell me it tastes wonderful regardless of the truth.

If you were to leave Kuwait and could take only one kitchen gadget with you, what would it be?

Definitely my French press.  There’s nothing like a good cup of coffee to kick-start the day.