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PLANTS, CUISINE AND CULTURE:
Memi's Egyptian Kitchen

Join Memi, the heart and soul behind Memi’s Egyptian Kitchen, for a cooking demo celebrating the vibrant flavors and rich history of Egyptian cuisine. Discover how plants and herbs have been central to Egyptian cooking for centuries, from fresh vegetables to aromatic spices. Memi will guide you through traditional dishes, showing how ancient food practices connect with modern plant-based eating and sustainability.

Through this demo, you’ll learn not only new recipes but also the cultural significance of food in Egypt, leaving with a deeper appreciation for how plants nourish both the body and spirit.

Menu:

Welcome
Pita and Hummus

1st Course: Dolmas*
Stuffed grape leaves with seasoned rice, herbs, and spices

Paired with Karkada, an Egyptian hibiscus tea served cold

2nd Course: Mulukhiyah*
Egyptian soup made with jute leaves

Paired with Sobia, a traditional Egyptian creamy cold coconut beverage, with a non-dairy milk option available

Third Course: Stuffed Eggplant*
Memi’s roasted eggplant, homemade tomato sauce, spinach, onion, cheese, and beef, with a vegetarian option without beef available

Paired with Massaya Le Colombier (2020) Red Wine Blend from Lebanon or Shai bi na’na, comforting hot black tea with fresh mint

Fourth Course: Kanafa
Spun pastry with cream soaked in a sweet syrup

Paired with Ahwa Egyptian Coffee (aromatic, thick, espresso-forward)

*Courses 1-3 are gluten free

Note: We are able to accommodate vegetarian requests and non-alcoholic beverages. Please be sure to indicate those preferences during registration.

Fee is all-inclusive and covers the talk with Memi, all food and beverage and Richmond City Meals tax and gratuity. Please note that this class will meet off-site at Memi’s Egyptian Kitchen (2229 W. Main St. Richmond, VA 23220).

Fees: Member $78, Non-Member $94

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact meganc@lewisginter.org or call 804-262-9887 x320 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $78

Register Non-Member $94

Date:
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Time:
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Event Details

About the Instructor

At Memi’s, every dish carries a story, and at the heart of it all is Memi herself, the chef who inspires everything we do.

With over a decade of experience as a chef, Memi’s culinary journey is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to her craft. Not only does she oversee the kitchen at 3 Monkeys Bar & Grill, but she also works every single day at Memi’s, ensuring that every dish is made to perfection. Her hands-on approach, from selecting the finest ingredients to perfecting the balance of spices, guarantees that every guest experiences the authentic flavors she grew up with.

Born and raised in Egypt, her love for cooking was never just about feeding people, it was about bringing them together. Whether it was a simple home-cooked meal or a grand feast, she infused every dish with warmth, tradition, and a deep love for sharing our culture.

Beyond the kitchen, Memi has always had a heart for giving back. She loves to volunteer at her church, dedicating her time to helping others and strengthening the sense of community that has always been so important to her. Her generosity and kindness extend far beyond food, she believes in nourishing both the body and the soul.

Her recipes are more than just food; they are memories of family gatherings, the aroma of spices filling the kitchen, and the joy of watching loved ones savor every bite. Every plate at Memi’s reflects her dedication to authentic Egyptian flavors, passed down through generations and prepared with the same care and passion she’s always had.

This restaurant is a tribute to her, a place where her spirit, her cooking, and her legacy live on. From the rich, comforting bowls of Mulukhiyah to the crispy, golden Falafel, every dish tells her story. And now, we invite you to be a part of it.