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Tastes and Sounds of the Middle East<\/h3>\n
Tuesday June 18, 12pm\u20131pm @ Ottawa Public Library, Main Branch<\/em><\/p>\n Middle Eastern food is enjoying a renaissance around the world, thanks in part to the success of chefs like Sami Tamimi and Yotam Ottolenghi of Jerusalem cookbook fame. Closer to home, places like Ottawa\u2019s upscale Fairouz and shops like Mid-East Foods are further fueling interest in Middle Eastern cuisine.<\/p>\n Racha Pharaon and Mansour Sweidan came to Ottawa as Syrian refugees just over a year ago and already own and run a successful restaurant<\/a> called Big Bite Kitchen<\/a> in the ByWard Market.<\/p>\n You can enjoy food samples from their kitchen, while learning more about Syrian-Jordanian food, at this free event. You\u2019ll also have the chance to listen to Middle Eastern music played on the oud by Ammar Baitalmal.<\/p>\n If you miss the Tuesday event, Racha Pharaon is hosting a second food tasting event at the Elmvale Acres branch on Saturday, June 22 from 3pm\u20134pm.<\/p>\n June 18, 22 and 29 @ Various branches of the Ottawa Public Library<\/em><\/p>\n So I am very excited that the Ottawa Public Library will be hosting free henna application by the Henna Lady<\/a> at five different branches\u2014free of charge. See you there!<\/p>\n Friday June 21, 2pm\u20135pm @ Mooney\u2019s Bay Beach<\/em><\/p>\n Where else would you get to meet with a 12-time Syrian Wrestling Champion?<\/p>\n Mohammed Al-Krad arrived in Ottawa in 2016 as a refugee from Syria and soon after began coaching wrestling as a way to become part of his new home. His story became the focus of an award-winning TVO short documentary<\/a>.<\/p>\n This year, he initiated a program for newcomer youth through the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) called Wrestling With Champions<\/a>. Every Wednesday and Friday evening, about a dozen boys ages 10 to 18 learn from him at OCISO\u2019s Newcomer Youth Centre in Ottawa South.<\/p>\n During this special WOW event, Al-Krad will demonstrate wrestling skills and discuss the finer points of the sport. Participants of the program will also exhibit the wrestling techniques they have learned in the program so far.<\/p>\n Saturday June 23, 4pm\u20135pm @ Nepean Creative Arts Centre<\/em><\/p>\n To say that Maria Saba<\/a> is a high achiever would be an understatement. She came to Canada from Iran, completed her PhD in Theoretical Biochemistry in Toronto and became a scientist and published author.<\/p>\n Saba also performs and teaches dance. In this free event, she\u2019ll be teaching a fun, interactive workshop on Persian Dance for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Her particular style integrates Iranian, East Indian, Arabic and African influences and this one-hour class will include the basic movements to create and perform a short piece as a group at the end.<\/p>\n
\nFree Henna Art<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>I like the idea of tattoos, but really don\u2019t want the commitment or pain. I figure henna art is the perfect alternative \u2013 it\u2019s natural, it\u2019s temporary and, best of all, it doesn\u2019t hurt!<\/p>\n\n
\nYOCISO Talent Showcase and \u201cWrestling with Champions\u201d<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Persian Dance Workshop by Maria Saba<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>OCCSC \u201cTransformation\u201d Youth Colouring Event<\/h3>\n