Meet the Founder

Food Has Always Been the Thread Connecting Me to Home

Food has always been the thread connecting me to home—to the people who shaped me, the land I come from, and the traditions I hope to carry forward.

The name Cedar & Thyme reflects that connection.

The cedar represents Lebanon: strong, deeply rooted, and enduring. For generations, it has stood as a symbol of resilience and pride—a reminder that our roots remain part of us wherever life may take us.

The thyme speaks to something more intimate. It is the wild thyme that grows across the hills and mountains of Lebanon and the surrounding region—earthy, fragrant, and inseparable from the flavors and memories of home. It also brings me back to my grandmother’s garden, where she tended each plant with patience and care. In her kitchen, thyme was more than an ingredient. It carried the scent of the land, the comfort of familiar meals, and the love she poured so naturally into feeding her family.

It was there that I first learned what food could mean. A meal was never simply something placed on the table. It was an act of care, a way of welcoming others, and a language through which stories and traditions could be passed from one generation to the next.

My relationship with food took on new meaning when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Nourishing ingredients became an important part of caring for my health, and cooking became a way to regain a sense of balance and connection. As life and work grew more demanding, the kitchen remained my refuge—a place where I could slow down, create, and return to myself.

Years later, planting my first kitchen garden brought that journey full circle. Growing ingredients from seed, harvesting them, and bringing them to the table reconnected me to the rhythms of my grandmother’s garden. It reminded me that the most meaningful food often begins with something simple: good ingredients, patient hands, and the intention to nourish.

Now, as a mother, those traditions carry an even deeper purpose. I welcomed my son, Adam, into the kitchen when he was only six months old. What began with watching, touching, and tasting has become precious time we share together. Since then, our family has grown to four, our newest addition Bilal inspired me to take this passion and share it with my community.

Cedar & Thyme grew from all of these experiences. Based in San Luis Obispo County, it is my way of sharing the generous spirit of Lebanese hospitality through vibrant mezze, abundant grazing tables, and thoughtfully prepared catering experiences. Every dish is rooted in tradition, made with fresh ingredients, and presented with a sense of creativity and occasion.

This is more than a catering business. It is a tribute to my grandmother, a reflection of my own journey, and a legacy for my sons. It is an expression of heritage carried forward through every aroma, every gathering, and every meal shared around the table.

Cedar & Thyme—a spread of culture and a taste of home.