Michael Rafidi

Shukran @michelinguide for recognizing the incredible efforts our teams at @albiwashdc + @yellowthecafe pour into their craft each and every day. Our journey through Palestinian cuisine has only just begun. We’re honored that Albi has retained its Michelin ⭐️ & for YELLOW to receive a Bib Gourmand. Some welcome light amidst such a dark time for the world.

Welcome to YELLOW union market, @yellowthecafe was born in may of 2020 as a pop-up @albiwashdc with many objectives, one being a way to shed some light for our guests and employees. I couldn’t be luckier to be surrounded by so many talented individuals that make YELLOW shine so bright. There is so much passion, creativity and enthusiasm that go into everyday, from handmade pitas, viennoiserie, hand layered batatas to the crafty coffee program. We’re excited to brighten up Union Market starting July 9th. #YallaYELLOW #lfy

Mabrouk! Continued congratulations to our comrade, our Palestinian American brother @chefmichaelrafidi for his recent @beardfoundation win as Outstanding Chef @albiwashdc @yellowthecafe . We are proud to be in community with you, not only for the food and drink you and your team prepare with such deep care and rigor, but your spotlighting of your people — our people — and our collective struggle for a free Palestine. Food, farm, and hospitality comrades, please keep speaking out and drawing attention to Palestine! Be it on stages big and small, at events, online, and in the press. Tag @hospitality4pal and we’ll reshare. Tag each other and help amplify. The more of us there are, the more of us there are. Including a few quotes from @washingtonpost coverage, including our own @reem.assil and @marcelle_g . No, we do not need “confirmation” of our cause, from awards or stars or the articles — but yes this visibility helps shift culture, and we are seeing it shift more and more each day ✊️

Well, I’m a few days late, but I think I found my speech… Thank you to the @beardfoundation this honor and recognition. I want to thank my incredible team’s @albiwashdc and @yellowthecafe They are truly the most outstanding. This is a win for our entire team. This is NOT my award, this is OUR award. My Sity texted me the morning after reminding me a quote from my Sedo- “always remember your team is the back bone to the business” My Sedo moved to this country in the late 40’s, after the Nakba. He was a chef in Washington DC for decades and is my biggest inspiration in opening albi. I accepted this award on the shoulders of my Palestinian ancestors, my grandparents and my mother.  Through it all, they held onto their love of food, a taste of our lineage that told stories of love, resilience and hope.  As I grew in my career, I realized my Palestinian identity would become my purpose for the restaurants we would build,  the menus we would create, and the food we would serve. We are seeing unspeakable horrors in my homeland, we are seeing food being used as a weapon of war, to starve people and deprive them of their human rights. The very land that for generations provided my family and millions with the ingredients and recipes that sustained life and made it possible for someone like me to stand on that stage is in danger and we must all speak out against it. In case I wasn’t clear on stage. This award is dedicated to the people of Palestine. Shukran,

Congratulations @chefmichaelrafidi You ARE an outstanding chef but an even more outstanding partner. I am honored to walk along side you in this life. I love you. @beardfoundation Outstanding Chef 2024!!! Mabrouk Habibi 📷: @gabonghi

ALL THE HUMMUS (and labne and baba ganoush) When you start seeing english peas, maryland crab, rhubarb, and ramps in the Pita + section, you know two things: spring is here, and it’s going to be a hard decision. 📸: @reylopezphoto_

We’re honored to say that @chefmichaelrafidi has been named a semi-finalist for Outstanding Chef by @beardfoundation Chef Rafidi chose the name Albi for good reason, showcasing and exploring the cuisine of his family and heritage - an exploration he leads with our team and guests each day at @albiwashdc and @yellowthecafe - and it’s amazing to see that journey recognized amongst other true leaders in our industry. Mabrouk, Chef! - and to all the other exceptional chefs and restaurants whose company we’re so thankful to share. 📸: @reylopezphoto_

KOUSA MAHSHI stuffed summer squash + blossom + MD crab + soujek + bamia Our take on a classic Palestinian dish, and also one of my childhood favorites. It’s taken almost 4 years to get on the menu @albiwashdc Nice work chefs @pmpervola @dongstagram211 @srdemoya @eagermeagher

After much consideration Habibis, we’ve decided to bring YELLOW navy yard back for weekends only. We’ll reopen our yellow doors 8-2pm 9/9. Yalla

SFEEHA, Habibi. @yellowthecafe @scottsuchman 📷

First time having the opportunity to cook in the home land. Bethlehem, Palestine 🇵🇸 05.03.23 Shurkan @fadi.f.kattan for opening your kitchen to us and to @parsino for capturing the moment.

While we didn’t win, it was an honor to be recognized by @beardfoundation as a finalist. It’s an even bigger honor for me to represent Palestinian cooking 🇵🇸. I couldn’t be more excited to dive deeper into my roots and continue along this journey through the levant. Shukran to all of our habibis for the love and support. And to our incredible teams @albiwashdc + @yellowthecafe @beardfoundation maybe next year… Yalla!