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'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

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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