Ali Mahmood is the owner and chef behind Casa de Falafel, a popular restaurant celebrated for its Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Mahmood has a deep passion for crafting traditional, flavorful meals and is committed to providing a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy fresh, authentic food – including its award-winning falafel. We caught up with Mahmood ahead of the fourth annual Dish Fest, taking place in Scottsdale this Sunday, March 9.
What will you be serving at Dish Fest?
Crispy falafel rings and a scoop of hummus.
If you had to describe your cooking style in one word, what would it be and why?
The best. We do everything from scratch with our own recipes and style.
What keeps you motivated to push the limits in your cooking?
To always be ahead a few steps from the others, then the others will follow our steps.
What advice would you give to young chefs just starting out?
Make your own path, don’t follow the herd.
What moment made you realize you were meant to be a chef?
I want to be in a business that will never be defeated by technology.
