A Night in Tunisian culture – and cuisine
Mama Zina Marouani cooking with Lenora Marouani at her home
Near Tunis. Photo by Adnen Marouani
The opening of Barsha restaurant brought a unique set of flavors to the South Bay, as Adnen Marouani interpreted North African recipes for a California palate. At an event this coming week diners will have a rare chance to sample the originals, courtesy of a special guest chef. This is none other than Adnen’s mother Zina Marouani, who is visiting from her home in a suburb of the country’s capital of Tunis.
Mama Zina, as Adnen always refers to her, is locally renowned for catering weddings and other events, and on Sunday, February 9, she will take her turn in the kitchen on this side of the Atlantic. A special menu will be served family style, and she will be out of the kitchen to explain both the food and Tunisian customs to diners. As she speaks only Arabic, her son Adnen will translate and add his own commentary. Adnen has also selected wines to complement each course, though he cannot get wines from Tunisia as they are rarely exported.
Usually when you go to a restaurant, you may be eating food from another culture, but without the hospitality and style of a family meal. This is a rare chance to dine in a different world without leaving the Beach Cities. Dinner starts at 6 PM and is by reservation only. The price is $100 per person including tax, tip, and beverages – you can see the full menu and reserve at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-in-tunisia-tickets-90255977057
Barsha is at 1141 Aviation Boulevard in Hermosa Beach.