She is kind of a hidden gem in Sioux Falls and to be honest, I'm not sure why. She is a gourmet chef, an author, a nutritionist, world traveler, restaurant owner, passionate teacher, lover of music and so much more. Sanaa Abourezk's journey to Sioux Falls was a convoluted one, to be sure, but we're so glad she's here!

Sanaa was born in Damascus, Syria, met her husband, former Senator Jim Abourezk while they both worked in Washington, D.C. and wound up in South Dakota after they married. Sanaa's experiences in Rapid City were somewhat disheartening, so her husband, (smartypants that he is) suggested she study at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, (which she did) and then she moved on to Florence, Italy to study under another Master Chef.

Eventually the Abourezk family settled here in Sioux Falls where Sanaa has flourished; with her restaurant, Sanaa's 8th Street Gourmet (in the 8th & Railroad Center, downtown), with her multiple cookbooks, (Secrets of Healthy Middle Eastern Cuisine, Oh Boy, It's Soy!, etc.) with her passion for developing cuisines for people with special needs.

Was it any surprise when The New York Times came calling?  Or the Food Network? Maybe to Sanaa. But to anyone who has eaten her food, tried one of her fantastic recipes or knows anything about her education or history, it really isn't.

You can join the fun and the celebration for Sanaa, Thursday, March 3, 2016, from 8 to 10 PM at a viewing party at the Hilton Garden Inn in the Elements on 8th restaurant, (201 E. 8th Street) in downtown Sioux Falls. You'll be watching the Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay as Sanaa and Philadelphia Chef Matt Levin try to beat Bobby Flay at his own game. Snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

Go Sanaa!


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