MEET SANAA
Sanaa Abourezk is a chef and restaurateur based in Sioux Falls, SD renowned for her mastery of Middle Eastern cuisine in the heart of meat-and-potato country. Born in Syria, Sanaa's culinary journey began at a young age, influenced by the fresh ingredients and rich flavors from her homeland. Despite pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering, her passion for cooking led her to explore and refine her skills, eventually establishing herself as a respected chef and author. Sanaa want to introduce the twentyfirst century to our grandmother’s simple recipes using seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Let us cook with beans people.
With a career spanning decades, Sanaa and her restaurant have captivated the hearts of many. In 2014, a NY Times article noted Sanaa's restaurant as the trailblazer of the culinary movement in Sioux Falls and her restaurant is named as one of the top vegetarian restaurants by Food Network Magazine. In addition, Sanaa appeared as a contestant on the 2016 season finale of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay, and Sanaa has been nominated as both a semi-finalist and finalist for "Best Chef Midwest" at the James Beard Awards in 2023 and 2024. In December 2023, Sanaa's restaurant celebrated 20 years of business.
Sanaa's approachable style and commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients have made her a beloved figure in the culinary world. Beyond her culinary prowess, Sanaa is also an advocate for giving back to the community and in the fight against child hunger. Sanaa is an active member of Jose Andreas' World Central Kitchen and has become known to host numerous fundraisers where she donates her time, labor, and 100% of the profits to help those in need. Over the years, she has helped raise over $100,000 to various causes around the world.
Sanaa continues to inspire people in her community and food enthusiasts worldwide to love healthy eating and to explore the vibrant diverse flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether it is through her restaurant, her popular instagram account, or one of her five cookbooks, Sanaa's contributions have left an indelible mark, shaping the way people perceive and enjoy fresh, delicious, and healthy food.
Gluten Free Vegetarian Mediterranean Recipes by Sanaa Abourezk
Step into Sanaa’s kitchen and learn to recreate some of her favorite gluten free mediterranean dishes. Citing her as one of the sources of Sioux Falls’ “new-found culinary fame,” The New York Times called Sanaa Abourezk “something of a renegade” who helped begin an “epicurean trend in this city...almost a decade ago with the Mediterranean fast-food place Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean.” In this new cookbook, Sanaa opens up her kitchen and invites you to recreate for yourself her favorite gluten free mediterranean dishes.