About

Founded by Charlie-Moshé Elias, a GSBA (Greater Seattle Business Association) Scholarship Alumni, gay Chef and Culinary Educator bringing ancient Mesopotamian and diasporic Jewish cuisines into the present day. 

When asked what distinguishes their work, Charlie-Moshé Elias emphasized: "My  culinary concept revolves around reviving ancient Mesopotamian cuisine. As a former Iraqi refugee, my recipes were developed from the scraps of economic sanctions and the ashes of war — they tell stories of resilience and survival."

This is research-driven, story-rich cooking rooted in historical traditions from Iraq and Türkiye, transformed into dining experiences that prioritize connection as much as what’s on the plate they present, while extending that same depth into each culinary educational lesson they provide.

Recently featured in The Cholent, The Mesopotamian Aroma Preservation Initiative curated a multi-course meal inspired by Iraq, Türkiye, Israel, and France, all on one table, pulling from places they’ve lived and using food as a way to hold complexity, culture, and conversation all at once. 

And they’re just getting started 👀 
New website? Live. 
Upcoming journey? Jewish Food Creators Bootcamp.
Professional aspiration? Opening a Culinary School.
Educational aspiration? Culinary Institute of America.  

At the core of it all is access and care, from Pride Shabbat collaborations here in Seattle to free meals for LGBTQIA+ folxs and communities navigating displacement, layoffs, or other forms of hardship.