yes, lemon and garlic play a pivotal role in the global cuisine. Discover the beauty and explosive flavors of the world through diverse recipes and personal photography from Chef Charbel's travels.

At 24, Chef Charbel Hayek was given the opportunity to compete in Top Chef Middle East, an experience that changed his life. The competition propelled him toward the root of his inspiration-Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking-and Chef Hayek became the youngest Top Chef to win in 2021.

After the pandemic hit, he took advantage of another opportunity: leaving his private chef post in Miami to travel the world.

Amid his travels, Chef Hayek got to connect with hundreds of strangers through their food. According to him, "you can learn so much about a culture just through its agriculture and flavor!"

Passionate about sharing his love of diverse cuisines with the world, Chef Hayek has distilled his favorite found recipes for vegetables, meat, and fish into his new cookbook, Lemon & Garlic.

This cookbook offers an opportunity of adventure for any chef-amateur or professional-to experience Chef Hayek's world travel through food and his passion for his home country's mouthwatering dishes. Chef Hayek hopes Lemon & Garlic helps others connect and fall in love with Middle Eastern cuisine's rich flavors and history.