In this vibrant and storytelling-rich episode of Cooking Unscripted, hosts Anthony Rahayel and Chef Jean Barbourwelcome the one-and-only Arze—a true culinary soul and natural entertainer. Together, they explore the art of making savory maakroun, blending laughter, memory, and spice into a flavorful celebration of Lebanese culinary tradition.
From flour-dusted fingertips to heartfelt stories about family, teaching, and village life, this episode brings warmth, nostalgia, and timeless flavors to the kitchen!
What’s In This Episode?
A Legacy in the Dough: Arze’s Hands-on Philosophy
With tahini in one hand and anecdotes in the other, Arze prepares her maakroun from scratch, kneading the dough by hand despite the presence of modern mixers. She believes the love is in the labor, and the tradition is in the technique. Emphasizing the use of local flour, salt, and anise, Arze teaches us not just how to make a dish—but how to honor it.
Her message is clear: cook with your heart, and let your food tell the story.
More Than Cooking: From Schoolteacher to Restauranteur
Arze doesn’t just cook—she captivates. Between preparing sauces and frying dough, she opens up about her journey from teacher to chef, sharing how community encouragement and a surprise TV appearance launched her culinary path. With humor and wisdom, she offers a candid look at womanhood, motherhood, and memory through food.
You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up—and you’ll want to eat everything on the table.
Maakroun, Molasses & Village Spirit
As the episode unfolds, Arze crafts a flavorful savory maakroun dish layered with balsamic cream, tahini, thyme, and molasses, while reminiscing about village competitions, childhood flavors, and the evolution of Lebanese kitchens. Her storytelling is as rich as her recipes, connecting local ingredients to a larger cultural identity.
From the Casino du Liban days to today’s food scene, Arze is a keeper of culinary memory—and a reminder that food is history on a plate.
Why You Should Watch This Episode?
This episode is for:
- Traditional Lebanese food lovers seeking authentic recipes and techniques.
- Home cooks who appreciate storytelling, culture, and connection through cuisine.
- Chefs and restaurateurs interested in bridging heritage with hospitality.
- Anyone who values laughter, tradition, and slow food done with love.
Arze’s episode is a soulful reminder that food isn’t just sustenance—it’s legacy!
Watch the full episode here:
Cooking Unscripted: Season 2, Ep12 – Laughs with Arze. Savory Maakroun Selection
Cooking Unscripted is a food podcast where passion meets creativity in the kitchen. Hosted by Anthony Rahayel and Chef Jean Barbour, each episode invites unique guests—chefs, home cooks, food show creators, producers, or simply food lovers—to join them in the kitchen. Together, they dive into flavorful conversations about culinary stories, inspirations, and the art of food, all while creating delicious dishes live during the show. Cooking Unscripted isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement!
Follow our hosts and partners:
@nogarlicnoonions
@chefjeanbarbour
@falconprofessionalkitchen
Guest: @arzechidiac
