Hot on the heels of her first pop-up kitchen concept, La Table De Sara, Palestinian-Jordanian Chef Sara Aqel talks us through her morning to night routine
I wake up at…6:30am, with every bone in my body asking why I am awake this early! Time is the most sensitive thing in my life though, and while I feel it’s one of the few things I can’t control, I can at least manage it.
My morning routine normally consists of…working, cleaning up, making myself something to eat and taking some time to gather my thoughts before I start my day. I also enjoy a little caffeine to kick things off too, of course.
I’m responsible for…two projects in two cities. The first is La Table De Sara Aqel in Dubai, which is a cool three-month pop-up serving traditional Italian food influenced by Palestinian elements. Then I’m busy preparing Dara Dining by Sara Aqel, which is my passion project in Amman. Managing the culinary aspects of projects in two different countries made me realise how amazing the time we live in is, and that it’s possible to achieve your passion and goals in different countries at the same time.
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My typical day…involves lots of elements: managing cooking, teaching, time, talents, expectations, serving and learning.
My go-to working wardrobe…the same pants in dark blue, black and grey, seven basic T-shirts, eight aprons and 10 headbands.
My go-to beauty look for the 9 to 5…a low bun and curtain bangs.
For lunch I eat…lots of greens and seafood because it fills you up but doesn’t make you lazy for the rest of the day. I’ll also add a bit of carbs as I get low without them.
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What I love most about my job is…connecting with people, the diversity and the food.
And what I enjoy the least is…desk work.
When I get home I…settle and reconnect with myself. I find you can lose a little of yourself every day in the process of surviving it.
I couldn’t live without…passion.
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When I feel stressed I…cook, believe it or not!
If I wasn’t in my current position, I would be…I don’t know — I couldn’t imagine being anything else.
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