NPR BEST COOKBOOK 2021
�A gorgeous new cookbook � Anas shares recipes (his mother�s) and stories from his homeland in Syria. Totally stunning �.� �BBC Good Food Magazine
�[A]n unusual personal memoir-cookbook hybrid � It covers all the essentials common to culinary collections, with a spotlight on seasonings and sauces � Each of the seven sections is prefaced by one of Atassi�s memorable traditions, complete with family photographs and a full page story � The 80 recipes, all accompanied by captioned color photographs, reveal even more customs and tastes � An easy-to-try cuisine with no attitudes.� �Booklist, Starred Review
�This book is about humanity�life, beauty, family, the heart of the home, the kitchen and the mother, whomever she may be � passing on a legacy of a place that was the hub of the gastronomic world. This book takes you on a journey into the lives of Syrians, before the war, remembering home, the best way they know how: through the dinner table of their ancestors. It is a delight and a celebration of everything that symbolizes hope and connection. You just want to cook everything in it. I loved it. It�s beautiful. � �Joudie Kalla, author of Palestine on a Plate and Baladi
�Sumac features the incredible cuisine of Syria with 80 traditional and contemporary recipes, gorgeous photography, and family memories � Every single recipe I have tried so far has been remarkable � Sumac is a wonderful book for those interested in Syrian cuisine. Recipes range from quick dips and appetizers to more intricate and time consuming meals and desserts. There is also a great variety of breakfast items, meat, fish, street food, vegetarian options, and sweets. Most of the dishes are an excellent choice for entertaining and family-style meals.� �Tara�s Multicultural Table
�Atassi debuts with an inspired collection of traditional and contemporary recipes from his homeland � The recipes are accessible even for less experienced cooks, and � the ingredients should be easy to source at most grocery stores. A handy section on setting up a Syrian pantry and a collection of recipes for frequently used condiments and sauces will acquaint home cooks with the basics, and the author�s inviting tone and balance of instruction and reflection amp up appeal. Those with an interest in Syrian cuisine couldn�t hope for a better starting point.� �Publishers Weekly
�Sumac is the vibrant gem � this book artfully captures the brilliance and beauty of the cuisine of Syria.� �Eat Your Books
�Sumac is an appealing cookbook for foodies who are looking to expand their culinary repertoires while learning about Syria.� � Foreword Reviews
�When I'm looking to cook something transportive, I go straight to�Sumac, Anas Atassi�s love letter to Syrian cuisine � Atassi is an accomplished Syrian chef who has spent most of his life living outside his homeland due to the civil war, and his efforts to memorialize and revive his family traditions through recipes are precious. I already know my winter table will be piled high with lamb koftas, musakhan wraps, and if I'm feeling ambitious, syrupy walnut baklava.� �Food52,��28 Best New Cookbooks of 2021�