'All Lebanese food is comfort food, if you ask me!'

Table talk with Maroun Chedid, Chef and entrepreneur, Shababeek, and MBC's Top Chef Middle East

Your favourite memory of food.
My earliest memory of food is my mother's cooking. I grew up in the beautiful Bekaa Valley of Lebanon where I was surrounded by orchards, vineyards and animal farms. All of this played a vital role in setting myself on the path of a lifelong quest to culinary perfection.
What's the most challenging part of your job?
Maintaining a high standard and ensuring continuous evolution in everything I do.
Do you have a personal mantra or motto that drives the way you cook food?
Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon! As an ever-curious gourmet chef, I have always been invested in exploring the world for more inspiration.
If you could cook for a high-profile personality, who would it be and what would you serve them?
I would serve Elie Saab - who put Lebanon on the map for haute couture fashion - the best of Mediterranean-Lebanese cuisine.
How often do you eat out? And what's your favourite place around town?
I dine out two-three times a month and in Sharjah, I always visit Shababeek. When in Beirut, I visit Babel and Al Halabi.
After cooking all day, do you cook for yourself at home as well?
Yes, I enjoy cooking for myself. It is one thing I am extremely passionate about.
You're asked to invent an unusual dish - what would it be?
I think I would invent a tomato and olive oil dessert, simply because I love tomatoes.
Who do you admire most in the culinary world, and why?
I admire every successful chef and entrepreneur who has offered something new to the culinary world.
Favourite comfort food?
Hummus, 'Moujadra' - all Lebanese food is comfort food to me.
One ingredient/ dish you can't stand, and why.
Nothing, it is very hard to find something that I won't eat or try.
If you could choose a last meal, what would it be?
Labneh with olive oil.
Your favourite culinary destination, and why?
So many places! France, Scandinavian countries, New York City.
- Staff reporter