On March 26, the Office of International Studies hosted Taste of Cultures: Lebanon, the 11th segment in the Taste of Cultures series that began in late 2024.
Held at Our Farm, the event brought together students in IB French, AP French, and French 5 with members of the Country Day and greater Charlotte community for an afternoon of Lebanese culture and food.
Mira Arnaout-Nassar, a member of the International Parent Board and an immigrant from Lebanon, kicked off the event with a beautiful presentation. Delivered entirely in French, her talk explored the many forces that shape Lebanese culture—from history, geography, and religion to tourism, pop culture, agriculture, and, of course, food. IB students Charlotte Maguire and Joseph Youakim, who helped organize and lead the event as part of their CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project, played an integral role in bringing the experience to life.
Students then had the opportunity to learn from Souzan Saab, Lebanese-born Charlottean and Executive Chef at Reid’s Fine Foods. Under her guidance, students prepared traditional dishes including hummus, tabouli, fattoush, and za’atar pies. As they cooked, Souzan and Mira shared insights into Lebanese customs and traditions—like the practice of eating a spoonful of za’atar before a test for good luck—highlighting the deep cultural meaning woven into everyday food.
The afternoon culminated in a decadent mezze-style spread, a traditional Lebanese way of dining that emphasizes sharing and community. Students sampled a wide range of dishes, from classics like falafel, dolmas, and baklava to lesser-known specialties such as kibbeh and maamoul. The meal concluded with fresh Lebanese coffee prepared in a traditional raqwa, offering an authentic and memorable finish.
And in true Lebanese spirit, the experience ended joyfully. Students were invited to their feet for a celebratory dance led by Mira, Charlotte, and Joseph. The room filled with music, laughter, and movement as students joined hands—an energetic and uplifting close to an afternoon that was as immersive as it was meaningful.
Like previous Taste of Cultures events—from Spain to other regions around the world—this Lebanon gathering exemplified the power of experiential learning. By combining language, food, and personal storytelling, the series continues to offer students unique learning experiences that deepen global understanding and foster a genuine appreciation for cultures beyond their own.