Orraisse قريص, with Basil AlZeri

Orraisse (قريص) is a series of culinary experiments run by visual artist Basil AlZeri and I during our residency at MMAG. Together, we explore seasonal and native plants, from the spectrum of the medicinal to the unwanted invasive weeds. We produce recipes, culinary performances, intimate dinners and tablescapes that invite guests to rethink their palettes, by developing meaningful relationships with resourcefulness and locality. 

Basil AlZeri is a cross-disciplinary visual artist and educator living between Toronto, Canada, and Amman, Jordan. AlZeri’s work is rooted in the ongoing fascination with how we spend our time (living), from the moment we wake up to the late hours of the night and while we sleep. Through his exploratory approach, he thinks and makes through the intersection of art, education, and food, utilizing a range of mediums including performance, drawing, video, and ephemeral installations.As we began our residency at MMAG Foundation in Amman, Jordan, Basil AlZeri and I met with the enthusiasm of intersecting practices, particularly around botany, healing and the culinary arts.

We have produced dinners in collaboration with MMAG Foundation (Amman, Jordan, 2024), Ali Hamdan (Amman, Jordan, 2024) and Ila Sawt (Amman, Jordan, 2024).