23. LEVANT - Arak & mountains are like salt & pepper

Farrah speaks to Dr. Patrick E. McGovern, the Scientific Director of the Biomolecular Archaeology Project for Cuisine, Fermented Beverages, and Health at the University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia. He's the author of many books including Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viniculture and Uncorking the Past: The Quest for Wine, Beer, and Other Alcoholic Beverages. They discuss the study of wine's origins and when Dr. McGovern's own origins in wine began. Oldest Evidence of Winemaking Discovered at 8,000-Year-Old Village Tapline: Trans-Arabian Pipeline Afikra: How did the Construction of Tapline Alter Life in the Middle East (and the World)? Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

After a long hiatus, the podcast returns with the first episode of the long-awaited Season 3. This time, host Farrah Berrou is the interviewee and fellow writer, historian, and Twitter friend, N.A. Mansour, is the interviewer. They discuss the beginnings, the shifts, and the motivations behind the platform and podcast. Some work by N.A Mansour: What Is the Arabesque Kitchen? Instead of Asking “How Are You,” I Ask “What’re You Eating?” When the Non-Muslim World Flattens Me, I Run to Feel Human Again Hazine Blog Season 3 is dedicated to my late, hilarious friend and former colleague, Zeina Mokdad. Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

Farrah shares some updates on Season 3 (returning in October!). Plus, she reads an article from a 1970 issue of National Geographic Magazine titled, "Lebanon, Little Bible Land in the Crossfire of History" by William S. Ellis.  Discuss the episode with listeners here. Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

Months after its release online, Farrah discusses the documentary Wine and War with Lebanese wine writer, Michael Karam, who was part of the project. The documentary tells the story of Lebanese wine "seen through the lens of war and instability." The Beirut Banyan with Michael Karam #230 Lebanon's 'Wine and War': An interview with filmmakers Mark Johnston and Mark Ryan Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

Back in July, Farrah had breakfast with Christiane Issa Nahas of Domaine des Tourelles. They discuss how one of the oldest Lebanese wineries was established by a French engineer, what it was like for her to work with her dad as the eldest and first of the 2nd generation to join the crew, AND who the artisans of Beit Chabeb are.  L'Atelier du Miel Green Glass Initiative of Lebanon Meet the last potter in Beit Shabab - Daily Star Lebanon Fawzi Fakhoury, the last potter of Beit Chabeb - L'Orient Le Jour VIDEO of Fawzi with L'Orient Le Jour Maison de la Vierge des Pauvres ***NOTE*** In the episode, Farrah said Fawzi Fakhoury was in his mid-80s but he is actually in his early 70s. Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

Over Zoom, Farrah speaks to Joseph and Marwan El Asmar about arak. Joseph, calling in from South Lebanon's Jezzine, is the author of The Milk of Lions, a book about the history of alcohol in the Middle East. Meanwhile, his son Marwan is based in NYC and continues his father's research on arak now that the book has been published.  The second half of the episode includes snippets from listeners across the world as they share their thoughts, memories, and tips on the aniseed-flavored drink of the Levant.  A Brief History of Alcohol Ancient Egypt’s Toxic Makeup Fought Infection, Researchers Say Jabir Ibn Hayyan Maria the Jewess Cleopatra: The ancient alchemist who quested for gold Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

In this episode, Farrah chats with Joumana Medlej, a French-Lebanese artist based in London. They discuss Joumana's book, Inks & Paints of the Middle East, and whether or not she came across wine/grapes as an ingredient for such things. Joumana’s Illustrated Books Annals of the Caliph’s Kitchens by Nawal Nasrallah Folio from the Blue Qur’an Viticulture Copper Alternatives Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours Subscribe B for Bacchus on Patreon

After exactly one year since the launch of the podcast, we're back with Season 2! For the first episode, Farrah speaks to Dr. Helene Sader from the American University of Beirut about the Tell el Burak Archeological Project and the Phoenician wine press discovered there. Some references: 2,600-year-old wine 'factory' unearthed in Lebanon by Tom Metcalfe, National Geographic The article in Antiquity The Daily Star article about Emir Maurice Chehab & Olga Chaiban by Peter Speetjens A Heritage to Restore by Kerry Abbott, Aramco World Support B for Bacchus on Patreon

A quick update from Farrah on the status of the podcast, Patreon, and the upcoming Season Two. Translation of "Li Beirut" taken from Why must every Lebanese generation endure violent chaos—and its aftermath? by Rania Abouzeid

On Tuesday, an explosion of 2750 TONS of ammonium nitrate shattered the entire country (and neighboring ones). Rhea, Marilyn, and Farrah had planned this crossover episode before the tragedy. Instead of rescheduling, they decided to talk about where they're heads are at 36 hours after the blasts. To donate: Lebanese Red Cross Impact Lebanon Arcenciel Offre Joie More here.