June at The Pantry Beirut
Hello friends!
Chef Sally Jane here with my first newsletter featuring all of the upcoming events at my Achrafieh atelier, The Pantry, along with some of my favorite culinary things happening in Beirut. My original inspiration in setting up my kitchen space was to create a community that shared ideas about all things food. With this newsletter I am hoping that, one year on, that idea takes firm hold. Each month I'll share recipes, favorite restaurants, finds, and news.
Also this month I'm launching my new website which was necessary because the Lebanese government switched off Wix, the platform which hosted my previous one. Apparently, it's an Israeli company, and while this wasn't a problem for the previous 12 years it was active, someone got a bug in their ear and shut it off without notice. But perhaps things happen for the best. While I loved my last site, I think the new one might be even better, highlighting events coming up at The Pantry, making them more accessible to everyone.
I hope you'll all send me feedback on what you'd like to see in these newsletters and what classes you'd like to have at The Pantry. Share me with your friends, share your favorite foodie discoveries, come visit me. I'm still new to this so all thoughts are welcome!
Have a lovely weekend!
-- Sally
New Green Junkie Menu
June sees the launch of the Spring/Summer menu I created for Green Junkie. It's full of fresh, seasonal ingredients that reflect the sunny, beachy vibe of Beirut this time of year. I personally love the Pan Bagnat tuna sandwich...and the Buddha Bowl with its turmeric pickled hard boiled egg makes me super happy! Oh! And the Acai Bowl....I love it!!! Check out their Instagram account for the full menu.
Upcoming Restaurant Opening
Stay tuned for another restaurant I'm currently working on that will open this month in Badaro. The concept is dear to my heart, featuring seasonal local ingredients in a casual setting. I will be working alongside the kitchen to keep the menu seasonally updated constantly and the menu is not like any I've seen here in Beirut. I am bringing some of my favorite dishes from America and Europe (like these fried green tomatoes) and giving them a bit of a Lebanese flair. Looking forward to seeing you there!
It feels like all of Lebanon is in bloom in June! I love taking advantage and heading out of Beirut. Beit Trad has to be one of my favorite new discoveries. Their lunch buffet was simple, elegant, and delicious. The setting extraordinary! At Souk el Tayeb I'm finding the most delicious stone fruit at Jnayethuda - well really the most delicious everything! I had the best croissant I've eaten in years at Bread Butiq (it was almond and I made a huge mess when I ate it)! And finally, I'm in love with all the press Lebanon is getting in prominent food magazines in the US and UK. Olive Magazine just featured a Beirut city guide, while Bon Appetit Magazine showed off Lebanese food on the cover of their Travel Issue. While Middle Eastern cuisine has in recent years been the darling of the foodie scene in cities across America and Europe, it seems they are finally acknowledging where it originally all started! Bravo.
June Events & Cooking Classes
June 1
Souk el Tayeb Tour with Green Junkie
Join me at Souk el Tayeb for a tour of the lively Saturday farmers’ market! I'll be talking about the ingredients I used while creating Green Junkie’s Spring/Summer menu and introduce you to some of the farmers I love most. We'll talk about using seasonal Lebanese ingredients at home and how I shop for myself, including what to look for when you buy fresh fruits and vegetables and what are important staples to keep on hand.
Meet at the Starbucks in Beirut Souks at 9:30am sharp for this free event!
June 12
Perfect Picnic Salads
Come learn how to use what’s best in the markets right now to create healthy, tasty, hearty salads that would be the perfect companions to your outdoors adventures this summer! We’ll be using proteins, grains, seeds, along with lots and lots of veggies (maybe a few fruits too) - all of which will take your salad game to the next level. In addition I’ll talk about a couple of easy, fresh drinks perfect for the heat and a cookie no picnic should be without!
Cost is $55 per person and class is limited to 8. Contact me for more details!