Behind the dining table; hiding a lot of stories and stories, which are not related only to the dishes that are presented on the table, but the lives of their owners and customs and traditions and histories and cultures and their relationship to their homeland, and many others, from here chose writer Hanan al-Sayed and Reel the subject of her book «Stories table: Which was inaugurated yesterday evening at 421 at its headquarters in Mina Zayed area in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Noura Al Kaabi and a wide audience of different nationalities, in contrast to the content of the book, which seeks to shape the features of life in Abu Dhabi, Of versatility and ability to All people of different nationalities, ages and countries belong to each other, following the food tables, where people have social relations, changes in their lives, and a close relationship between them and Abu Dhabi to become a new home for them.

Not a cookbook

"The book is not a cookbook and it is not a recipe book," said Hanan al-Sayyid, who writes for Emirates Today. "But it is a cuisine that draws the life form of Abu Dhabi from the 1960s until now through people who lived in the city, , And these changes were reflected in their private and social lives. She added that the book includes 40 recipes from all over the world, which she has collected from friends and acquaintances she has known for over 25 years. She spent in the UAE after she came with her husband to Abu Dhabi in 1994. Each recipe reflects the culture of her country of origin , Customs and traditions prevailing in that country, whose owners still retain them despite their departure from their homelands, and the changes that have occurred in the recipe and eating system, as a result of their transition to a different society.

Hanan, who works for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum and a civil engineer, said the book was prepared for nearly three and a half years. , Anyone can apply it. "I work as a civil engineer. In our field, we build huge projects, often not more than two years. When I started working on the book, I did not expect it would take more time to implement it than these mega projects."

a trip around the world

"The work on the book was not limited to collecting and writing recipes. There was a lot of research and study to explore the story or stories that lie behind each of these qualities. Every recipe I wrote was looking for its history and origins, And so on. For me, writing was a delightful journey in which I felt I was on a journey around the world. In contrast, I gained about 10 kg of extra weight, because I made sure to try every recipe in the book three times. , To make sure. " Noting that the choice of recipes form an important stage of the work, because it was based on the composition of the story begins with the reason why the person chose this eater to represent and represent his country, and what it means to him, without these stories the book would become a regular cookbook.

Hanan explained that the book, her first book in English, aims to present a message to the world that reflects the privacy of life in Abu Dhabi, which derives from the diversity of the nationalities in which she lives, the opportunities available to all, and the society's tolerance and coexistence. Expressing hope to translate the book into Arabic language to reach the Arab reader.

Culture and Knowledge Development Minister Noura Al Kaabi said during the evening of the launch of the book: "The Book of the Stories of the Table presents a special glimpse into the diversity of cultures in Abu Dhabi and reflects the distinctive social fabric of our nation. The book celebrates the hospitality of the UAE as an inherent and well-established value in our country and highlights the culture and civilization of Abu Dhabi, which is the embodiment of the Emirate's growth until it reaches one of the most important cities in the world. "

Faisal Al Hassan, the director of Gallery 421, explained that the book transcends the mere fact that it is a book that offers a variety of international recipes. It combines 40 stories of Emiratis and many residents, which comprise the unique social fabric of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Rich culture that gives the UAE capital a lot more ground. Hospitality and hospitality are always the hallmarks of the people of the UAE and all of the people who live on its own land. .

The evening also saw a panel discussion moderated by the plastic artist Noor al-Suwaidi, in which she explored the views of the writer and some contributors to the book's recipes.

The spirit of hospitality

The book "The Stories of the Table: Abu Dhabi International Cuisine" highlights the spirit of hospitality and sense of intimacy that Warill has experienced since moving from New York City to Abu Dhabi in 1994. The book draws on its stories and recipes from the concepts of food and friendship. It tells the story of a community formed by sharing meals and traditions And culture.

Hanan El Sayed and Reel:

"The book takes food as an introduction, painting the shape of life in Abu Dhabi."

Noura Al Kaabi:

"The book reflects the distinctive social fabric and hospitality of the UAE."

40

Recipe from different countries of the world.