Not so many years ago, our family gathered at our home in Worcester, Massachusetts. We sat together at the kitchen table, a place of many meals and many memories. We had all agreed, we’d like to open a business, but beyond that, could not decide. What unique talent did we have to offer? Back and forth we spoke, but our mother remained silent. Then, suddenly, she interrupted. As if inspired by the kitchen around us, she reminded us of the sights, scents, and flavors of her traditional cooking; the homemade tabouli, stuffed grape leaves, baked kibbee, and more. We were all finally in agreement. Our family’s best came from our mother’s kitchen. We opened our first restaurant at 424 Belmont Street in Worcester in 1991, naming it “El Basha,” the Lebanese word for seer, or sage, to honor our mother’s name.