School
Lebanese American University
Expertise
Middle Eastern & Mediterranean cuisines, Culinary travel, Food facts
- Mona is a globetrotter immersed in various cultures.
- She comes from a Middle Eastern/East Mediterranean country that is renowned for its flavorful dips, grills, stews, wine, and arak.
- She's especially proud of her signature frittata, lazy cake, and stir-fry noodle recipes.
Experience
Mona is a freelance writer, voice-over talent, and language tutor. She has published hundreds of articles across many platforms and in print magazines, spanning food, travel, cinema, television, art, literature, politics, etymology, and history. She speaks Lebanese, MS Arabic, French, English, and Spanish and has published two books in French. She also loves photography and worked in TV production for many years.
Education
Mona has a French baccalaureate, and a bachelor's degree in communication arts from Lebanese American University.
Tasting Table’s editorial coverage hails from a veteran group of writers and editors with expertise in their respective fields in the food and drink, hospitality, and agriculture industries. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information and original recipes.
We strive to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day; cooking tips, tricks, and trends; or reviews and recommendations. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our team is constantly reviewing and updating articles as necessary. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
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Fine Dining
By Mona Bassil
Some items on the Ruth's Chris Steak House menu are more cherished than others. From meat to side dishes, these are the ones diners are less than impressed by.
By Mona Bassil
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Grabbing a burger and fries used to be a budget-friendly way to grab a bite. But these burger chains hit customers with some of the highest prices in the U.S.
By Mona Bassil
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Restaurants
By Mona Bassil
Being awarded a Michelin star doesn't automatically mean a restaurant is worth visiting, and you may want to reconsider a trip to these starred establishments.
By Mona Bassil
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Casual Dining
By Mona Bassil
From Chili's to Moxies, these U.S. chain restaurants give you good bang for your buck. The portions are huge, but the prices aren't. What more could you want?
By Mona Bassil
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Restaurants
By Mona Bassil
Whether you're visiting Denver or are a longtime resident of the city, you'll need to plan and book well in advance if you want to dine at these restaurants.
By Mona Bassil
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Mexican bakeries are everywhere, but which ones are truly worth visiting? Here are 20 must-visit panaderías across the U.S., according to customer reviews.
By Mona Bassil
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Casual Dining
By Mona Bassil
In his two decades hosting Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Guy Fieri has visited dozens of restaurants in Texas, including these 15 particular standouts.
By Mona Bassil
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Beer and Wine
By Mona Bassil
Anyone looking to attend a craft beer festival in 2026 will want to check this list of the year's must-visit craft beer events in North America and Europe.
By Mona Bassil
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Small towns across the country are home to great restaurants. Here are the best ones in every state, according to reviews.
By Mona Bassil
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Casual Dining
By Mona Bassil
Looking for the best all-you-can-eat (or AYCE) sushi in the U.S.? We've rounded up some of the top options to consider based on customer reviews.
By Mona Bassil
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If you're a frequent Costco patron and wondering which locations stand out from the rest, we assembled this list of highly-rated warehouses.
By Mona Bassil
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What's more American than a fried chicken chain? A bad chicken chain taking heat for letting value, service, and quality fly the coup, of course.
By Mona Bassil
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City Guides
By Mona Bassil
In a city full of acclaimed eateries, we turned to customer reviews to find the top steakhouses in Seattle. And they all bring their own flair to the table.
By Mona Bassil
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There are hundreds of places to dine in the Inland Empire, but these top 20 picks we've compiled have earned praise from food experts and customers a alike.
By Mona Bassil
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Restaurants
By Mona Bassil
If you're planning a trip to the Great Lakes region, there are several restaurants you don't want to miss. Here are 14 of the best, according to customers.
By Mona Bassil
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Restaurants
By Mona Bassil
If you love fresh seafood, local specialties, and seasonal ingredients, these award-winning restaurants are among the very best Delaware has to offer.
By Mona Bassil
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Coffee Shops
By Mona Bassil
Here are the South's best bakeries -- from Nashville and Richmond to Charleston, Savannah, and New Orleans -- serving bold coffee and indulgent pastries.
By Mona Bassil
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City Guides
By Mona Bassil
Dallas can be a city of glitz and glamour, or a place to find a down-home good time. If you like the simpler things in life, these dive bars are where to go.
By Mona Bassil
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Coffee and Tea
By Mona Bassil
Let your love for freshly roasted coffee beans take you on an adventure while visiting the Midwest. You'll hop from specialty shops to multi-location hubs.
By Mona Bassil
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Fine Dining
By Mona Bassil
Industry experts and amateur foodies alike would agree that you won't be disappointed in nabbing a coveted reservation at these celebrated Southern restaurants.
By Mona Bassil
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Healthy Eating
By Mona Bassil
From infused water to chia pudding and homemade energy bars, this is the ultimate list for a spa-worthy buffet you can prepare and enjoy at home.
By Mona Bassil
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City Guides
By Mona Bassil
Diners are spoiled for choice in San Francisco. For a unique dining experience, get your name on the reservations list at these highly sought-after restaurants.
By Mona Bassil
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City Guides
By Mona Bassil
Las Vegas might be known for its glitz and glam, but it's also home to a number of great food joints that are both tasty and reasonably priced.
By Mona Bassil
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From award-winning wines and olive oils to versatile spreads and syrups, these are the best foodie souvenirs to bring home from the Middle East.
By Mona Bassil
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Restaurants
By Mona Bassil
From casual bites to fine dining, LA’s celebrity-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes offer delicious food with a touch of Hollywood flair
By Mona Bassil
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City Guides
By Mona Bassil
Across the United States, there are numerous restaurants that offer spectacular mountain views. These are the highest rated, based on online review platforms.
By Mona Bassil
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Cooking Tips
By Mona Bassil
Soursop is a tropical fruit that has tons of flavor and just a little bit of controversy, too. Here's everything you need to know about this unique ingredient.
By Mona Bassil
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