There is something deeply soulful about the Mediterranean way of living. It’s more than just a cuisine—it’s a rhythm of life, a way of gathering, celebrating, and nourishing both body and spirit. For me, it’s personal. It’s rooted in memories of lemon trees, bowls of fresh mint, and the gentle clink of glasses around my grandmother’s table. Today, I want to take you on a journey through this lifestyle I love and live by—one that connects my Middle Eastern heritage with the heart of Mediterranean cooking.
What is Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Cuisine?
Mediterranean cuisine spans from the sun-drenched shores of Spain to the coastal villages of Lebanon, weaving in a beautiful mix of flavours, colours, and textures. It is built on simplicity and generosity—grilled meats, seasonal vegetables, legumes, olive oil, fresh herbs, citrus, and of course, bread that’s always torn and shared.
Middle Eastern cuisine shares a similar philosophy but adds its own fragrant signature—sumac, za’atar, rose water, tahini, and spices like cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom. Whether it’s slow-cooked lamb, warm chickpea dishes, or bowls of lentil soup, there’s a grounded richness and balance in every bite. It’s not fussy or fancy—it’s real, generous, and full of heart.
Setting the Mediterranean Table
The Mediterranean table is never just about the food—it’s about togetherness. It’s where hands meet over shared platters and conversations flow as freely as the wine. I always love setting a table with intention: natural linens, handmade ceramics, fresh herbs tucked into napkins, bowls of olives or lemons for brightness. There’s a joyful informality to it all—people can linger for hours, dipping bread into olive oil or scooping up hummus, telling stories as the sun sets.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about generosity and ease.
Health Benefits of Eating the Mediterranean Way
It’s no surprise that the Mediterranean diet is known as one of the healthiest in the world. With its emphasis on seasonal produce, healthy fats, grains, nuts, legumes, and lean proteins, it supports heart health, balances blood sugar, and fights inflammation.
Spices play a powerful role too—not just for flavour, but for wellbeing. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, sumac is full of antioxidants, cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar, and cumin aids digestion. The food doesn’t just taste good—it makes you feel good.
Eating this way invites you to slow down, chew with gratitude, and feel deeply nourished.
Why Chicken and Legumes Are a Perfect Pair in the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean way of eating is all about balance—bringing together wholesome ingredients that nourish the body and satisfy the soul. Two ingredients that play a starring role in this lifestyle are chicken and legumes. Not only are they versatile and delicious, but they’re also packed with powerful health benefits.
Chicken is a lean source of protein, making it an ideal choice for building and repairing muscles while keeping saturated fat low. It’s especially good when grilled or roasted with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano—classics in Mediterranean cooking. When paired with legumes—such as chickpeas, lentils, or butter beans—you get a complete and hearty meal that’s naturally high in fibre, plant protein, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium.
Legumes are the unsung heroes of this diet. They help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. When slow-cooked in olive oil with garlic, spices, and fresh herbs, they become deeply flavourful and comforting—perfect for pairing with spiced chicken, lemon, and a drizzle of tahini or yogurt.
Together, chicken and legumes create a satisfying, protein-rich foundation for many Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Think of warm lentil salads with grilled chicken, chickpea and herb stews, or lemony baked chicken with butter beans and greens.
Simple, humble ingredients—brought to life with spice, freshness, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
9 Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes to Bring Sun-Soaked Flavour to Your Table
Fresh |Simple| Beautifully Bold.
Click on the images for the recipes.
SETTING THE SCENE | A Table Set with Grace and Mediterranean Soul
There’s something magical about a well-set table—it invites people in, slows down time, and turns an ordinary meal into a memorable gathering. When I create a tablescape, I’m not aiming for perfection. I want it to feel warm, layered, and full of heart—just like the meals I love to cook. My new Imperfect Grace Queen tablecloth is the perfect foundation for this kind of table. Made from a heavy natural linen, it has beautiful texture and weight—elegant in the most effortless way.
I love layering it with white and neutral-toned plates—simple ceramics that allow the food to shine. For glassware, I use a mix of vintage-inspired glasses with subtle patterns that catch and reflect the light in the most beautiful way, especially as the sun dips low or candles are lit. Glass decanters filled with wine and water add a sense of occasion and old-world charm.
A touch of the unexpected always elevates the experience. I like to fill silver bowls with lemons—their golden colour adds brightness, and the citrus fragrance lingers in the air. It’s a small detail that brings the Mediterranean to the table.
To tie it all together, I use my Mediterranean napkins—their delicate patterns and natural tones are a seamless match. But my favourite trick? Using my Mediterranean tea towels as oversized napkins. Draped dramatically across plates or folded beside the cutlery, they bring a sense of abundance and theatrical flair—something that always sparks conversation.
This table isn’t about formality. It’s about feeling: of being welcomed, of being nourished, of sitting down to a table that was set with love.
Explore the full table linen range
So here’s to cooking with heart, eating with intention, and gathering with joy.
This is the Mediterranean way. This is my way.
And I invite you to make it yours, too.
With Love
Elmarie x
