We had the good fortune of connecting with Omar Saad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Omar, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind our success is staying true to what we set out to do and that is to take our guests on a journey through Lebanon. We do that by using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients that elevate the textures and bold flavors of our home country.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a professionally trained chef. After the civil war broke out in Lebanon we moved to Waterford, CT where I grew up. After high school, I attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence but my love for cooking started long before that time. I grew up in restaurants because I can’t remember a time where my parents didn’t own and operate one.

After my dad passed away, my journey led me to Las Vegas where I ran restaurants for acclaimed chefs like Bradley Ogden and Paul Bortollota. Those experiences then took me to The Ritz Carlton Hotels where I managed high end culinary operations for nearly a decade. But deep down I always knew that I wanted to go back to the kitchen and do my own thing which is how I ended up opening Pickles & Peas.

By far Pickles & Peas is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But also the most rewarding and exhilarating because the challenges are new. Yes, starting a business felt a little scary, but ultimately passion prevailed and the hard work paid off. Eight years later, I could be more proud of what we do — we are a Lebanese foodtruck dedicated to taking our guests on journey through Lebanon one bite at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Superba in Venice for breakfast; order the pancake!
I’d definitely take them to Gjusta or OSPI for lunch, also in Venice.
And if I could have every meal at Felix in Venice, I’d do that!
Favorite ice cream is Salt & Straw on Abbot Kinney.
I’d definitely take my friends to Arthur J’s in Manhattan Beach. Besides the steak, the lobster pasta in incredible.
I’d definitely visit Mamie in West Hollywood because they have the absolute best focaccia sandwiches.
Artelice for the most decadent Éclaires

As you can see, if my friends come to visit, all we’d do is eat!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Undoubtedly my parents. My dad owned several Lebanese restaurants growing up in West Africa, Beirut and Waterford, CT. Most of the recipes I use are passed down from my mom who’s a prolific cook! So a shoutout to them!

Website: https://www.picklesnpeas.com

Instagram: @picklesnpeasla

Image Credits
Not applicable

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