Episode 203: Reem Assil (author, Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora)

Reem Assil, of Reem's California, was in New York City recently to promote her book Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora. In addition to discussing the book, Reem and Andrew got into a variety of hot topics swirling around the industry, and Reem previewed her episode of the new online series "Normal Ain't Normal" (the episode debuts on Tuesday, October 18). And in this week's Tech and Restaurants segment, brought to you by BentoBox and Clover, Roni Mazumdar of Unapologetic Foods discusses their Biryani Bol direct-to-home and takeaway business, how they manage online orders and delivery with their own vehicles, and how the concept fits within their larger mission. Please visit the website for BentoBox and Clover to learn how they provide restaurants with the technology they need for even more success, and book a demo today.Please say hello to Andrew if you'll be at the LA Chef Conference this Monday. The Conference is sold out, but you can still get tickets to the afterparty on Monday, October 17.Special thanks to chef and restaurateur Greg Baxtrom for hosting Andrew and Reem at Maison Yaki  in Brooklyn, NY, where this interview was conducted. Please support Maison Yaki and Greg's other restaurants.Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related information. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!