It is with great delight that I have returned to visit Lebanon, the birthplace of my parents for the first time in 16 years! after one busy and happy week in beirut making new and old connections, i arrived in my family village of Douma in the northern part of the country.

when i brought my beloved mother alice here in 1998 for her first visit since her immigration with sitto in 1926 at the age of 16 (photo on cover of alice`s kitchen), we found the house where she was born. this is it!

i am posting many photos of this culinary and family journey on facebook, instagram, twitter as well as here on my blog as i am able so please do follow along with me! Ahlo sahla!

it is a great honor and delight that Alice`s Kitchenis now being sold in Beirut and Byblos, and no doubt will be available in Douma. here’s photos of Gibran’s Lebanon bookstore in Byblos (the ancient city where the word “book” originates!)! i know my parents and grandparents would be so proud! and the owner is wonderful Alice Edde, who  has another shop in the Old Souk. all beautiful and a blessing!

here’s the amazing Goodies store in verdun neighborhood of beirut, where the phenomenal displays are a feast for the eyes: alice’s kitchen fits in well.