Female Fingerprints: July 2023
Featuring: Yasmina Hayek, Executive Chef, Em Sherif Restaurants
Female Fingerprints is a monthly feature created to highlight women around the globe who have had an impact in their local communities and beyond. Throughout the year I will share some of the best and brightest stories of women who are making a positive and lasting imprint on our world.
London's culinary scene is renowned for its diverse array of international flavors, and nestled within the iconic Harrods department store lies Em Sherif, an exquisite Lebanese restaurant that promises to take diners on a sensory journey through the flavors of Lebanon.
During a recent getaway to London, I made a special pilgrimage to Harrods solely to experience Em Sherif. This was not my first encounter with the restaurant, as I had previously visited their wondrous establishment at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, which felt like a dream come true.
The sensory elements of Em Sherif in Monte Carlo remain etched in my memory: the aromatic and earthy scent of cumin and sumac, the refreshing burst of pomegranate seeds, the citrus perfume emanating from fleshy yellow lemons, the sizzling meats, and the vibrant herbs like mint, thyme, and fenugreek. The ornate blue and white design motif immediately evokes a sense of Lebanon.
It was during my visit to Monaco that I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Yasmina Hayek, a blossoming star in the culinary world. Yasmina's inviting and warm personality captivated me instantly.
Born and raised in Beirut, Yasmina grew up in a family that held food and cooking in high regard. Hailing from a lineage of restaurateurs, food was viewed as an essential art of life. With a formal culinary education and guided by excellence, Yasmina carries on her family's spirit with love.
Yasmina's mother, Mireille Hayek, a chef and founder herself, instilled in her a deep love for fresh ingredients and bold spices from a young age. After completing her professional development, Yasmina ventured to the United States to pursue her culinary passion. She started her journey by working in various restaurants, honing her skills and expanding her culinary repertoire.
Under Yasmina's leadership, Em Sherif's dishes, which masterfully blend tradition and modernity, have captivated diners and critics alike. Em Sherif has earned numerous accolades, including being recognized as one of the "50 Best Restaurants in the Gulf" and listed among the top nine female-led restaurants to watch in 2021 by the World's 50 Best Group—a testament to its Michelin-worthy status.
Yasmina's culinary journey includes a bachelor's degree from Lyon's renowned Institute Paul Bocuse and a master's degree in food design and innovation from Milan's Scuola Politecnica di Design. Her expertise in innovative culinary techniques and concept design contributes significantly to her work.
Em Sherif is truly a family affair, established by restaurateur Mireille Hayek and her daughter, Chef Yasmina Hayek, with a vision to serve sophisticated Lebanese cuisine straight from the heart.
Despite her success, Yasmina remains rooted in her heritage. She frequently incorporates traditional Lebanese ingredients, such as za'atar, sumac, and pomegranate molasses, into her dishes. Drawing inspiration from her mother's cooking, she adds her unique twist to classic Lebanese recipes.
Beyond Em Sherif, Yasmina is a sought-after guest on cooking shows and a prominent speaker at culinary events. Through her cooking, she shares her love for Lebanese cuisine with the world, inspiring others to explore the rich flavors and traditions of her culture.
Motivated by the success of Em Sherif, the Hayek family has expanded their business and opened new restaurants in Lebanon and beyond. Yasmina continues to draw inspiration from her mother's recipes while introducing new elements and techniques to curate her signature plates.
Today, Em Sherif restaurants can be found in some of the world's most prestigious cities, including Dubai, London at Harrods, Monaco at Hotel De Paris, Kuwait Palms Hotel, Damascus, Four Seasons Hotel, Qatar, Rosewood in Abu Dhabi, Al Maha Island-Doha, and Oman's Regis Hotel. There are even rumors of a second London restaurant opening soon!
As I stepped into Em Sherif at Harrods in London, memories of our meeting in Monte Carlo flooded back, and the warmth of our conversations felt familiar. The management team (Elie and Doina) and staff (our server, Samer) at Em Sherif were delightful, but the most intriguing aspect was that every dish tasted as incredible as it did in Monaco. The tastes and flavors at Harrods evoked memories of our meeting in Monte Carlo.
Consistency is key, and Em Sherif's success lies predominantly in their unwavering commitment to it. Regardless of the city, the taste of their food remains consistent—a testament to their dedication.
While creativity sparks the flame of inspiration, true culinary mastery lies in crafting dishes executed to perfection, time after time—a "perfect dance," as we culinary professionals like to call it in our kitchens.
The art of culinary creation requires a delicate balance of creativity, technical skill, and precise execution, resulting in visually stunning dishes that bring joy to the palate.
This approach transcends the menu pages at Em Sherif. Their menu is a celebration of authentic Lebanese cuisine, prepared with the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. From traditional mezze dishes to sumptuous grilled delicacies and delicate desserts, their culinary offerings are a feast for the senses.
During my visit to Harrods, London, some highlights from Em Sherif's menu included the smoky Raheb with mint, lentils with pomegranate molasses, baby beetroot with tahini honey, spinach fatayer (spinach and onion pie), and shaved bottarga with wild thyme.
My personal favorite was the Bemieh Bil Zeit, a delightful dish of okra cooked in tomatoes and onions, which brought back cherished memories of my childhood in India. And of course, I couldn't resist indulging in the Chocolate Halva Pudding—an absolute delight!
Chef Yasmina's fingerprint is evident in the work she set out to accomplish. Her personality shines through her dishes, and she has cultivated a culture of excellence, where attention to detail, quality, and consistency reign supreme.
Chef Yasmina's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to one's cultural heritage. Her success as a chef and entrepreneur has not only brought joy to countless diners worldwide but has also inspired a new generation of aspiring chefs to follow in her footsteps.
In her employees, Yasmina seeks individuals who are detail-oriented, possess excellent customer service skills, exhibit passion for the industry, and demonstrate a sense of ownership and leadership.
The key elements for Em Sherif's success lie in its differentiated brand journey imagery, which helps them stand out from their competition, along with prime locations, the quality of their food and service. Customer feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping and refining their concept.
Similar to many chefs, Yasmina Hayek has faced numerous challenges throughout her culinary career. Breaking into a male-dominated industry, balancing creativity with tradition, managing multiple responsibilities under pressure, and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic were just a few hurdles she encountered.
However, her unwavering commitment to her craft and passion for Lebanese cuisine enabled her to overcome these obstacles and establish herself as one of the most exciting and innovative chefs in the culinary world today.
Yasmina attributes her success to the mentorship she received while working in Denmark at Geranium, where she learned not only the art of cooking but also the importance of teamwork. Her hero and inspiration remain her mother, who has played an instrumental role in her culinary journey.
Yasmina's philosophy is simple yet profound:
"Cook with Love and Care."
The stories of Mireille and Yasmina Hayek, this mother-daughter duo, are deeply inspiring and deserving of celebration and sharing. They are two remarkable women who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have paved the way for future generations. Their determination, resilience, and passion serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
As our time in Monte Carlo drew to a close, Yasmina fondly mentioned that I would love her mother and envisioned us engaging in meaningful conversations and enjoying each other's company. That thought stayed with me.
Now, after our visit to London and reconnecting with Yasmina, it is clear that a trip to meet Chef Mireille Hayek in person is in order. After all, it is Mireille's unique influence on her daughter that has helped create such wonderful culinary experiences for countless individuals.
More power to women who are dedicated in their profession and making their dreams realised. Thanks for sharing