The Arabesque Table (Reem Kassis)

Staff Pick: A unique, tasty collection of recipes tracing the rish history of Arab cuisine from James Beard award nominee Reem Kassis. The caramelized butternut squash fatteh with za’atar is a personal fav! - Brinda

The Arabesque Table takes inspiration from the traditional food of the Arab world, weaving Reem Kassis's historic research and cultural knowledge with her contemporary interpretations of an ancient, remarkably diverse cuisine.

In her personal, engaging voice, Reem bridges past and present to open up the world of Arabic cooking today, showcasing a mosaic of 130 delicious, accessible home recipes. Organized by primary ingredient, the recipes and vivid photographs bring the dishes to life while her narrative offers not only a sense of taste, but a sense of time and place as well.

More than just a compilation of modern Arabic recipes, The Arabesque Table celebrates the evolution of Arab cuisine and the stories of cross-cultural connection it recounts, paying tribute to the history and journey that have led to this point.

With the past on full display in this intensively researched and exciting book, you will find dishes from the Golden Age of Islam: such as Narjissiya (a fava bean and egg hash) and  Makmoora (a layered chicken, onion and pine nut pot pie), as well as contemporary and globally inspired interpretations: such as Tahini Cheesecake and Caramelized Butternut Squash Fatteh with Za'atar, revealing a cuisine that is vibrant, nourishing, and exciting, but above all, reminding us of how powerful food is in defining the relationship between people, place and identity.