‘Lebnani’ Cookbook Demo and Signing

Description

Join us for a special cookery demonstration with celebrated chef Jad Youssef, as he introduces recipes from his beautiful debut cookbook, Lebnani. Inspired by the dishes and traditions of his family kitchen in Beirut, Jad shares the warmth, generosity and vibrant flavours that define Lebanese cooking. Drawing on recipes passed down through generations – many of which feature on the menu at his award-winning restaurant Lebnani in Surrey – this is a cuisine built around gathering, sharing and celebrating food together.

During the evening, Jad will showcase a selection of authentic recipes, along with the secret spice blends, time-honoured techniques and family stories that bring Lebanese food to life. Expect dishes that reflect the rhythm of the Lebanese table, all rooted in the traditions of cooking, eating and celebrating together.

Copies ofLebnani will be available to purchase on the night.

On the menu:

Lebanese Muhammara dip -Smoky, spicy roasted red pepper, walnut, pomegranate molasses and olive oil

Hindbeh bZeit – Sauted wild dandelions , olive oil , Lemon juice and caramelised onion served with warm khobez

Tabkha-Djej bSayniyeh – One Tray-baked chicken thighs with potatoes, garlic, lemon & coriander

Nammoura -Sticky semolina and orange blossom cake with macerated plums

What’s included:

• Refreshments on arrival and available throughout the class
• Tasters from the demonstration for you to enjoy accompanied by a glass of wine or soft refreshments
• The opportunity to purchase a copy ofLebnani and have it personally signed by Jad
• 10% discount on purchases made in store on the day of your class, including cookery classes. Excludes books, food, electrical items, gift vouchers and sale items

About Jad Youssef

Jad Youssef is chef patron of the award-winning Lebnani in Reigate, Surrey which Jay Rayner highly praised in The Observer: one taste of its gloriously zingy Lebanese flavours and you know youre in the right place.

Jad was born in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War, the youngest of six siblings. He learnt to cook in his mother Khadijas kitchen and in his fathers pastry shop before training at the Ecole Hoteliere in Beirut. After early work in local hotels and restaurants, he moved to Oslo in 2000 as Head Chef at Jeppe Restaurant, later relocating to London to lead the kitchen at Fakhreldine in Piccadilly and serve as Executive Chef at the Levant Group.

In 2009, Youssef founded Yalla Yalla in Soho, one of Londons first Lebanese street food restaurants, expanding to Fitzrovia and Shoreditch in the following years. The restaurant received wide critical attention and achieved a cult following.

After time in Hong Kong, Youssef and his wife Aga returned to the UK to open Lebnani in Reigate, Surrey, in 2020. The restaurant was named Best Restaurant in Surrey by Muddy Stilettos in 2024, an AA Rosette in May 2025 and in October Be Inclusive Hospitality winner of the Middle Eastern Food Award. Jad has also appeared at Meatopia, Taste of London and Taste of Hong Kong, on BBCs Masterchef and worked with Miele amongst many more.

@lebnaniuk

www.lebnani.co.uk