My Story
Being an immigrant from Lebanon the only food I ever knew growing up was Mediterranean food.
That's what I learned to cook and that's what I ate. I had never even had salad dressing from a bottle until I was a teenager! I mean, ranch wasn't a thing then.
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The years passed and I moved away and became more curious about other cultures and types of cuisines. As a result I worked in the food and beverage industry for a long time. I was an event coordinator for a local food publication and dining guide and even got to work alongside some really great chefs. Ok ok, I mostly just made cocktails at that time though.
After several years in the Phoenix area, I realized it was time to come back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I didn't know what to do so I dabbled in bartending and cooking for others ... a lot. Well, day to day I sold insurance.
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After doing a lot of soul searching and listening to the people that know me best, I decided to make my passion and side hustle the real deal. So here we are ... welcome to Julia's Kitchen.
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Made With Love,
Julia
Julia Gharib
STORYTIME
Seventh grade home economics class ...
We had to make homemade mac n cheese. It was awful. I had never had mac n cheese! Ever. I shoved it down the drain and hoped I wouldn't get caught (no garbage disposal).
Now I make adult mac n cheese a bit differently and it's way yummier than that "stuff" we had to make in 7th grade ... it starts with a roux. I'll make it for you.