Guest chef Ibtisam Masto will share Syrian menu with International Cuisine class

Students in Cincinnati State’s International Cuisine class (CUL 210) will welcome guest Chef Ibtisam Masto on Wednesday, April 26, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the International Kitchen (ATLC 010).

Chef Grace Yek, Chair of the Culinary & Food Science bachelor’s program, said, “Throughout this semester, the class has cooked and soaked in cuisines and cultures from around the world. This is an exciting opportunity to meet a chef who is celebrated for her Syrian cuisine.”

Employees who would like to observe (and maybe partake in sampling Chef Masto’s menu) should contact Chef Yek at grace.yek@cincinnatistate.edu.

Chef Masto was a Syrian refugee who relocated to Cincinnati and started a food business in the city. Her catering company Olive Tree has a presence in Findlay Market and a permanent spot at the Oakley Kitchen Food Hall.

She has been featured in Bon Appetit magazine as well as local publications.

Chef Masto’s menu for the class demonstration includes:

• Tomato kibbeh — fresh spring-time vegetarian kibbeh
• Safarjaliyeh — Syrian lamb and quince stew
• Syrian baba ganoush — fresh tangy eggplant meze dish

(Photo from OliveTreeCincy.com)