Warm Palestinian Hospitality Dinner

1. Welcome

Welcome to "Alpert the Pop" – A Taste of Palestine!

Hello Totnes! I am so excited to invite you to a very special evening at The Albert Inn on Tuesday, the 30th of July. We are transforming the pub for one night to bring the rich, comforting flavours of Gaza right to your table. Whether you are a meat-lover or a vegetarian, this is a night all about coming together, sharing great food, and experiencing some genuine Palestinian hospitality.

2. Meet the Chef

The Story Behind the Food

I’m Mona. I recently moved to the UK from Gaza, and I have already fallen completely in love with the welcoming community here in Totnes. Cooking is my life—it is how I share my heritage, my memories, and my love for people.

This pop-up is a huge milestone for me. It is the very first step in launching my new Totnes-based catering business, Bitona (which means 'Our Home' in Arabic). When you join us for dinner, you are not just buying a ticket; you are helping me bring a piece of my home to my new neighbourhood. I pour my heart into every dish, using the best olive oil, tangy sumac, and toasted nuts I can find, exactly like we do back home.

3. The Menu

What We Are Cooking Up

To Start (Sharing Mezze for the Table):

• Creamy, traditional homemade hummus
• Fresh Spinach Fatayer (little savoury pastry parcels)
• Authentic Musakhan Rolls (or Cheese Rolls for our vegetarian guests)
• Crispy Vegetable Samosas

The Main Event (You will choose one when you book):

• Chicken Qidra: This is my absolute favourite. It is a slow-cooked, spiced Gazan rice infused with garlic and chickpeas, served with beautifully roasted chicken, a spicy Dakkous sauce, a fresh zesty Gazan Salad on the side, homemade pickles & Palestinian-style cured black olives.

• Vegetarian Comfort: A hearty, deeply satisfying bowl of traditional Mujadara (lentils and rice topped with sweet, caramelized onions). It comes with a rich, hot red sauce, a cooling cucumber, yoghurt salad, and a fresh Gazan Salad, homemade pickles & Palestinian-style cured black olives.

🌱 Note to our Vegan Guests: We know Totnes has a vibrant vegan community and we are fully prepared! The Mujadara itself, the red sauce, and the Gazan Salad are naturally vegan. Simply choose the Vegetarian option when booking, and we will ensure your sides are 100% vegan-friendly.

To Finish:

• Hot Kullaj: You simply have to try this. It is a famous Palestinian dessert—crispy filo pastry oozing with melted sweet cheese, drenched in syrup, and scattered with pistachios. Best served hot!

4. What to Expect

How the Evening Will Flow

• 6:30 PM - Grab a Drink & Settle In: Arrive at The Albert Inn, find your seat, and grab a pint or your favourite drink from the bar.
• The Food Arrives: We will start bringing out the sharing platters of mezze to get things going.
• Mains & Dessert: Shortly after, we will serve up your chosen main course, followed by that incredible hot Kullaj.
• No Rush, Just Relax: The best part of a Palestinian dinner is the lingering. Once you have eaten, please feel free to stay, finish your drinks, and chat the night away. It is all about good food and good company.

5. Things to Know

Just a Few Quick Details

• Date: Tuesday, 30th July
• Venue: The Albert Inn, Totnes
• Tickets: We are keeping this intimate, so there are only 40 spaces available.
• Important: Please make sure to select your preferred main course (Chicken or Vegetarian) when securing your ticket. (Vegans, please select Vegetarian and add a note at checkout!)
• Refund Policy: Because we buy fresh ingredients and prepare everything specifically for the number of guests, we can only offer full refunds up to 7 days before the event (until Tuesday, 23rd July). After this date, we won't be able to process refunds. Thank you so much for your understanding and support!

I honestly cannot wait to cook for you. See you there!