Tasty Dishes from the Seven Banned Countries

Because of recent changes in US immigration and travel policies, seven countries have been in the news: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The cuisines of these countries are unfamiliar to many Americans. Join Donderos’ Kitchen in exploring some of the surprisingly delicious dishes from these countries whose citizens may be banned from our country.

Our fixed-menu, fixed-price “tapas” evening will feature seven separate small dishes, served in six courses, prepared for you by Chef Tim Dondero and colleagues. Tim will discuss the dishes as they are served. You bring your wine of choice.

Menu: Syria -- Hummus bi tahini with pickled radishes and olives; Libya --  Fresh-herb marinated steamed carrots; Iraq – Lamb-and-rice stuffed baby eggplants; Iran – Mast-o-khiar (cucumber and yogurt salad with mint; Somalia – Chicken Surbiyaan (chicken and spiced rice with crisp onions); Sweets -- Almond-stuffed dates with orange blossom water (Yemen) and Basbousa (Sudanese semolina cakes in syrup). 

Tim’s preferred wine for this selection of dishes would be a chilled white like a Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño  or a dry Rosé; or an acidic, low-tannin red, like a Pinot Noir, Sangiovese or Tempranillo. Or -- for a great wine pairing at a modest price, see Dave and Anne Wells at the Uncommon Gourmet (previously, “Healthy Gourmet”), 1087 Baxter St., telephone 706 353-3107. Dave and Tim frequently teach cooking and wine classes at the Uncommon Gourmet, and Dave selects wines to go with Tim’s style of cooking.

Thursday, April 6th, 2017. Donderos’ Kitchen, 590 No. Milledge Avenue. First course served at 6:30 PM. Price: $50 for a couple, $25 for a single. Corkage fee is $2 per couple.

Seating is limited. To assure a place, please register in advance.