Picture this: the bustling streets of New York City, where Sylva Alexia has called home for the past 45 years. But amidst the urban hustle and bustle, there’s something that takes Sylva back in time, back to her roots, and back to her cherished memories. It is the power of food, and for Sylva, it is a journey filled with heartwarming nostalgia. Food has always held a special place in Sylva’s heart. It has the remarkable ability to transport her to different chapters of her life. It transports us to our past, to the places we’ve been, and the people we’ve known. The aroma of freshly baked bread can instantly transport her to the streets of Lebanon, where she spent her childhood during the civil war.
Even during those challenging times, the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine remained etched in her memory. She can’t help but reminisce about her roots, her upbringing, and the flavors of the Mediterranean that have shaped her culinary journey. And so, this is where Sylva Alexia’s heritage of Mediterranean recipes begins. Sylva’s Heritage of Mediterranean Recipes If you take a look at Sylva’s heritage of Mediterranean recipes, you will discover a rich tapestry of cultures.
She’s Armenian, with a Pontiac-Greek grandmother and Lebanese-Syrian parents – a melting pot of traditions and flavors that have melded together to create a culinary journey like no other. Her family’s story mirrors that of countless others who had to leave their beloved Lebanon to escape the ravages of war. For them, that haven was New York City, a place that Sylva holds in deep gratitude for providing her family with a new beginning. And with new beginnings, came new opportunities. The city of New York had big plans for her.
Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Engineering, she designed complex telecommunications networks and even shared her knowledge as a university teacher. She also had the honor of becoming an advisor at the United Nations working with developing countries and a representative of Armenia in the UNDP. Yet, she felt a longing for something more, a deeper connection with her roots, and a passion that had always simmered beneath the surface. And so, driven by curiosity, Sylva embarked on a new adventure of creating and importing premium fruit preserves.
Around Sylva’s Table
At this table, it’s never just about the food. It’s about the stories that come to life around the table. It is about honoring traditions, celebrating family, and savoring each meal. When you feast on a table of Mediterranean recipes, time itself slows down to appreciate the culture that comes with it.
Preserving Culture
Sylva worked closely with artisan fruit preserve makers and farmers in the Ararat Valley, Armenia. For nearly two decades, Sylva dedicated herself to the production, import, and distribution of these exquisite fruit preserves. Her relentless commitment paid off, as she became a four-time award winner, including the Women Owned and Sofi awards, solidifying her position as one of the most prestigious fruit preserve makers in the industry. You will often find her preserves on the tables of high-end specialty food market chains and Michelin-starred restaurants. Or, you might have read about them in publications like the New York Times, Oprah, and Rachael Ray magazine – a true testament of preserved culture.
Behind the Recipes
Back in her home in Manhattan, Sylva shares the stories behind her Mediterranean recipes with her two beautiful daughters, Nora and Nicole. She also loves talking about her memories with her friends and family while cooking in her own kitchen. It was always a tradition to share stories at the dinner table – reminiscing over good food. No one can resist the invitation for good food and even better stories. And now, Sylva invites you to join her table too! You can also be a part of this culinary voyage through the Fertile Crescent – where every dish is a symphony of flavors and memories.
Just imagine, turquoise skies and glistening seas, ancient olive groves, and vibrant citrus trees! Elegant set tables with an array of mezze (a selection of Mediterranean cold and hot dishes served as appetizers). Delicious grape leaves stuffed with rice and lamb. Meats infused with delicate spices and pine nuts. Fresh salads and roasted vegetables dressed in pomegranate molasses, sumac, and lemon. Succulent grilled fish and sticky desserts infused with rose and orange blossom syrup. And don’t forget the strong Arabian coffee, followed by the age-old tradition of reading fortunes in the coffee grounds. It’s not just tabbouleh for us!
Around Sylva’s table, myths and stories come to life, traditions are honored, family takes center stage, and meals are meant to be savored slowly. In the company of relatives and cherished friends, every gathering turns into a feast.
And now you have the chance to experience her journey on your own. Bring Sylva’s heritage onto your own tables. Follow Sylva’s journey on Instagram and check her website for representation of resilience, love, family, and the treasures of the Fertile Crescent. Travel to the Mediterranean yourself from the warmth of your own kitchen. You can even follow her on TikTok for a lively view of her passion and stories.
With these recipes, every gathering becomes a feast and every bite is a taste of cherished memories from across the Mediterranean Sea! So, take a seat at Sylva’s table, and let your taste buds embark on a journey of a lifetime!
