In 1986, a group of volunteering women in Lebanon established the Committee of the Friends of the Social Welfare Institutions-Islamic Orphanage (Dar el Aytam). Ashghalouna is a wing of this philanthropic committee aimed at empowering widows through numerous social activities such as embroidery, handicrafts, and cooking. We now have women in the atelier and twelve in the kitchen. All proceeds go to help the widowed women to learn new skill sets, send their children to school, help with medical aid, and even homework. We’ve had to diversify into doing local and regional touring events and avant-premiers at cinemas as a way to offset reduced funding due to regional politics.

Horra’ osbao: a dish of lentils, garlic, coriander, pomegranate, and fried bread.

Ashghalouna, which means “our work“ in Arabic, is a must-visit! The food is delicious and typically highlights almost-forgotten Beiruti specialities, all set in a beautiful heritage villa with a wonderful garden. However, the icing on the cake is that by dining here you are supporting widows to better their livelihood and support their families. These women’s children are afforded the basics such as school support and health insurance amongst other things. Besides the wonderful and generous buffet, you can also wander around and shop for beautiful handicrafts, which, while traditional, are still right on trend.