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Palestinian Chef Michael Rafidi Wins Culinary Award

The chef dedicated his award to Palestinians around the world.

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 11 June 2024
Palestinian Chef Michael Rafidi Wins Culinary Award

Palestinian chef Michael Rafidi won the prestigious James Beard Culinary Award and dedicated his achievement to Palestinians around the world. 

Rafidi is the owner and chef of the Albi Restaurant in Washington, US. The Palestinian chef received the Outstanding Chef award at the annual James Beard Foundation ceremony in Chicago on Monday, Jun. 10.

Rafidi was given the award for his dedication to Arabic and Levantine cuisine at his restaurant, which he opened in 2020. 

Upon receiving the award, Rafidi dedicated it to "Palestine and to all the Palestinian people out there, whether it's here or in Palestine or all over the world.”

Rafidi has been nominated in the same category twice before in 2022 and 2023, but he did not win then. His restaurant received a Michelin star in May 2022 because Rafidi “takes inspiration from his family’s roots in Ramallah”.

The Palestinian chef also runs Yellow, a cafe in Georgetown, which serves Arabic-inspired bites and dishes. 

The James Beard Foundation is a non-profit organisation that celebrates and supports people involved in America's culinary culture. 

Image source: @chefmichaelrafidi Instagram page

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