Antonio Tahhan – his blog – and recipe for Kbeibat, a Middle Eastern dumping

I’m not much of a Facebook person, but I do follow ‘The Art of Armenian and Middle Eastern Cooking’ where a core group of followers post their recipes, and others comment on the finished products.

One day, the post was about a young man, Antonio (Tony)Tahhan, a Cornell University graduate who, among other talents, has a passion for cooking. I took an immediate interest in him – professionally speaking, of course.

Born in Venezuela, Tony moved to Miami Beach, Florida with his family when he was very young. He comes from a Middle Eastern background, but as far as he knows, doesn’t have Armenian blood in him. (Tony and his family do, however, have Armenian friends.)

My curiosity aroused, I emailed him to introduce myself and to find out what his favorite recipe is. He responded: “My favorite recipe is always changing, but among my favorites are these Middle Eastern Dumplings called Kbeibat. They’re originally from the North Eastern part of Syria; a region called Jazeereh. You could find the recipe for them on my blog.”

Tony went on to say:
“I’ve always been passionate about cooking since I was little–in my family, whoever helped cook didn’t have to do the dishes.  I do intend on pursuing an entrepreneurial career that involves food, but for now I am taking it one step at a time.  I enjoy posting on my blog and connecting with people who have similar passions.  I am interested in the relationship between food and culture; and love to travel.  These are all things I hope to incorporate into my future one day.”

Read Tony’s brief biography and you’ll see that this young man is going places.


Tony, the next time you’re in south Florida visiting your Armenian friends, you are cordially invited to my home. My kitchen is your kitchen!