Nabeel's owner publishes cookbook

In his new cookbook, Nabeel’s owner John Krontiras shares a collection of recipes from the restaurant kitchen as well as foods that his Greek family and his wife Ottavia’s Italian family eat at home.

The recipe collection, released last month, provides not only a manual for everyday Mediterranean cooking but also a lens into Krontiras’ travels all over the world, his Greek heritage and how these influence his cooking.

Family photos and images of Nabeel’s are among pictures of dishes, including Nabeel’s favorites like Tzatziki, Moussaka and Lamb Souvlaki. A collection of Krontiras’ memories of travels, family and cooking, as well as information about Greek culture, history and food, accompany recipes. The book is 128 full-color, glossy pages.

According to Alabama Booksmith’s review: “Besides being an advocate of Greek history and the Classics, Krontiras shows throughout this book how the details of expert cooking can open the door of cultural life greatly needed in America, thus contributing to the quality of life we love and respect.”

Ted Haddin, who plays the violin at Nabeel’s, wrote the preface for the book, and regular customer Karim Shamshi-Basha was the photographer.

Krontiras will hold book signings at Alabama Booksmith on October 3 from 4-6 p.m. and at Nabeel’s on October 21, 4-6 p.m.

The cookbook is available for purchase for $29.95 at Nabeel’s, The Fish Market downtown, Shaia’s in downtown Homewood, Alabama Booksmith, Little Professor and Birmingham locations of Western Supermarket. For more information on the cookbook, visit belovedfamilyrecipes.com.