Holy Hummus-I Won an Emmy!?

Hello FITME Fam,

A lot has happened since my last blog, mainly I won an Emmy after so many years in the television business! This experience taught me that we all have a purpose in this life, and our job is finding that purpose, and nurturing it regardless of naysayers or sacrifices.

I was one of those strange kids that always knew what I wanted to do when I grew up–a television reporter. I would piece together news stories happening in my own neighborhood (San Francisco earthquakes anyone? Busted fire hydrants? There were plenty of those.) Then I created a news report for the neighborhood kids every summer evening. A cardboard box was my newsdesk, and I loved reading my reports in a serious anchor voice, using a kitchen spatula as a microphone.

Fast forward many years later after a career in news reporting, and I decided to make a change, focusing on lifestyle and entertainment content instead. Feast in the Middle East was a huge part of this transition. I didn’t see this project as just a cooking show, but a way to share my customs and culinary culture with a world that mainly saw my people through the prism of war. I loved the Youtube format because I could call the shots, and create videos curated to audience feedback. I also love sharing beloved traditions that were important to me and my family.

However, I always kept one leg in the world of television. Now for the NBC show “California live,” I not only get to share my culinary know-how, but I also get to share unique stories on travel, education, museum exhibits, fashion, theater, and restaurants. What makes this most rewarding is being able to give a platform to small mom and pop businesses and individuals making a difference in our communities.

So with that in mind, I dedicate this award to all the people that have supported me in this journey, wonderful people like you that are open minded about new traditions, new dishes, and new experiences.