If you are starting to notice more private dinners being hosted in the homes of individuals, that is because the people are becoming more adventurous and looking for a new type of dining experience. The dinners that Mónica Buzali organizes are an illustration of this emerging culture will surely meet your highest expectations.
When someone searches for a dinner at a stranger’s home, they aren’t looking for the most cutting-edge cooking or the service level of a 5-star hotel. They want to meet new people and share stories in an intimate setting. Monica’s house is rife with these qualities, and that is why the number of guests grows daily. Throngs of would-be patrons are drawn to her exotic flavor blends of Asia and Central America.
The Mexican hostess with Syrian ancestry has spent several years in Barcelona and was missing a bit of the family dynamic, so with the help of her husband, she decided to bring the essence of her ancestry to the dinner table in Barcelona.
On any given weekend you can find a smorgasbord of Sembusek (cheese empanadas), Sfija (lentil pizza on pita bread), salata shawhandar ma krafess (beet and celery salad), Salata bi Zeitoon or betinjan (eggplant salad with olives), Yebra ma Ades (grape leaves stuffed with rice and lentils), or cold eggplant salad with black olives and tomatoes.
Many of these recipes require a great deal of hands-on work and attention to detail; each roll of Aades Yebra is made with the techniques derived from the farmers on the outskirts of Damascus. All of which are tight and firm finger-foods, whether Sembusek or dumplings, all are made with care.
And to finish the evening, a Mexican liquor, the smoky taste of Mezcal cleanses your palate and reminds you that every land has its own distinct flavor.
Sahten!
To reserve a seat with Monica click here.
Text: JW
Photos: Cecilia Díaz Betz
Translation: Brett Piron