There have been enough words.  What happened in Beirut was like the full force of a nightmare we had only glimpsed in flashes through all the decades of violence, instability and loss suddenly shaking itself fully to life and sheering up phantasmagorically above the sea to wreak its curse across the city.   Out of such horror it can only be hoped that something positive can emerge.  Long odds on that I know but what else can you do – and […]

Categories: Lebanese recipes, memory and culture

The smell of meat is in my house — lamb shanks that are halal, the lack of blood reminding me of what put me off when I was young.  It’s the hottest day this year.  Everyone has been told to stay inside – driving through the streets that clearly isn’t the case.  Perfect timing if ever there was, my mother-in-law edging to ninety, fell in the street three weeks ago and broke her hip, putting her in hospital for a […]

Categories: Lebanese recipes, memory and culture

I have many grave concerns That prey upon my mind To hold firm or give way To fail my father’s memory   A statue of dark rectitude Rising instead of the sun Such unbending driven will And me? Just temporary… Until I can play the dark lord As well as any teenage geek But really pulverize the fools Till they embrace submission   My love am I the man I was? They’re killing in my name Burning it to blubber […]

Categories: Lebanese recipes, memory and culture