Bazaar Belief: Bethany Kehdy On Her Defining Career Moment, Biggest Regret, And The Key To Success
Bazaar Arabia speaks to Lebanese-American Chef about the true meaning of happiness, her biggest inspiration, and more…
She’s known for advocating a new narrative, moving away from the term ‘Middle East’ – a Western construct – and returning to West Asian and North African (WANA) recipes, but what fiercely patriotic Bethany does best is weave magical culinary experiences. The celebrated Dubai based cookbook author, chef and presenter, who grew up on a farm in her native Lebanon, shares her personal philosophy with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Defining career moment?
Bethany Kehdy (BK): which featured on The New York Times list of Best Cookbooks, and which also won the Gourmand Best Blog-to- Cookbook award. At the same time, I ran several press trips to Lebanon with the objective of helping promote the country internationally as a tourism destination when the country was struggling to secure interest.
HBA: What do you listen to the most, your head, heart or gut and why?
BK: Gut. Your gut is not emotional, unlike your heart which can fog your brain. Your gut, effectively your innate instinct, is a very powerful guide and we’re not really trained to depend on it but I find ignoring it has gotten me into trouble.
HBA: What would you tell your younger self?
BK: Setting boundaries is not being selfish. Haters are projecting their own insecurities. Believe in yourself.
HBA: Happiness is…
BK: in the simple things.
HBA: Can we have it all? And what does that mean?
BK: No. Life is in a state of flux which means it’s never ever going to be ideal. You can learn to find contentment and appreciate the different aspects of each part of this journey.
HBA: Which experience taught you the most about yourself and why?
BK: I don’t think there is any one particular experience but it’s a series of experiences, both good and bad – the latter invariably being the more impactful – all of which have combined to lead to the realisation that I am a very adaptable person.
HBA: Biggest regret?
BK: No regrets. A lot of lessons.
HBA: Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
BK: My brother… with his passing, I am inspired to be kinder and more diplomatic like he was, more giving, more fun-loving.
HBA: Who or what feeds your soul?
BK: The sea, cooking, reading, solo-dining at a cafe trottoir.
HBA: Describe yourself in three words?
BK: Creative, empathetic, bold.
HBA: What life changing moment changed the way you think about everything?
BK: My brother Eli’s recent passing has had a profound impact. You have no idea when it’s the last time you will see or speak or hug someone that you love. I am mindful that every interaction could be the last one, and that in a second we’re here and the next we’re gone – so live boldly.
HBA: Biggest sense of achievement?
BK: Becoming who I am today, despite everything life has thrown at me, learning to balance strength with vulnerability and perspective.
HBA: What part of your work are you most proud of?
BK: Changing perceptions about the cuisine of West Asia and North Africa and working to promote Lebanon as a destination. I am also proud of the research and knowledge sharing on historical aspects of the cuisine as well as the innovative applications to traditional ingredients.
HBA: The key to success is?
BK: Being true to your vision, persevering but also knowing when to take advice, and pivot.
HBA: What do you most frequently dream about?
BK: I dream about home; a thriving Lebanon with a reformed political system.
Compiled by Natasha Faruque
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s July/August 2023 Issue