Issue 27: Iftars + Sohours

Breaking fasts and taking names

Happy Sunday, everyone! Would just like to start by saying that I know that there’s a lot of rising tension in the Middle East right now and want to confirm that I am completely safe. Egypt is out of the way of conflict for the time being, and as a U.S. ally that doesn’t have any air bases, it’s unlikely it will be targeted. Obviously, I am being extra cautious at this time, but I am quite safe!

Meanwhile, Ramadan has been taking over my schedule, which is impressive, as I am not fasting! I attended two iftars and a sohour this weekend, all of which were lovely gatherings of both fasters and non-fasters, celebrating community and food :)

Iftar

Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast each day of Ramadan. It happens every day at sunset, and traditionally starts with eating a date and drinking some water. Then, a big meal follows. I was hosted at not one but two Iftar potlucks this weekend, which were both lovely and delicious!

Some food favorites included bechamel (Egyptian mac and cheese), kofta, amar al-din (Syrian Apricot juice), and of course kanefe!!!

Also, I must shout the Halloween plates I brought to my friend Abby’s Iftar, as they were in fact shipped to me from Portland, Oregon, by none other than Jaime Kean (in the suitcase of a GW Middle East Studies professor- quite a journey!)

Sohour

Sohour is the meal eaten before sunrise, but what exactly that means can vary. For some, sohours can take place as early as 10 pm. For others, they’ll wake up around 4 am and have a quick bite before sunrise. I joined my friends in not sleeping at all! We gathered around midnight and took off to Khan el Khalili, where we stayed til around 4 am. We dined at a huge restaurant, though restaurant might be too soft a word. There was a DJ, dancers, whirling dervishes, clowns, mascots, and just about anything you could imagine. The food was secondary. Facing a gigantic ancient mosque, the vibes were everything.

Song of the Week:

1. Pomegranate Seeds by Julian Moon

2. Savoy Truffle by the Beatles

3. Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson (these are all food-related if you can’t tell)

Read of the Week:

1. If Beale Street Could Talk (4.5 Stars)

Food of the Week:

SO MUCH GOOD FOOD. I think my favorite has to be my friend Omar’s bechamel. Good GAWD!

Professional News Corner:

Since Ramadan and Lent both started last week, I interviewed a nutritionist on tips on a healthy fast.

Friend Shout-Out:

Issue 27, so of course shout out Lucy Carver. She seems to get it more than not these days…..