Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Mehditach.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a child of immigrant parents, I did not fit the mold of what was expected of me. I was not interested in being married off by the time I was 21, nor did I want anything to do with my parents’ “old-fashioned ways”. Bah, humbug. I wanted lights, camera and action. Well, guess what? I found it! Yep, right back in the delicious roots of my heritage. I know, I know, how funny. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, no matter how hard she may try.
What can I say? These dishes are my roots, they are my memories, my neshama; they make up the essence of who I am. At the very core, these traditions are made up of incomparable hospitality, perseverance, grit, and flavor. A description that is fitting of the Jewish people as well. No?
A little back story; my mama was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. Her parents left southeast Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan as teenagers to settle in Tehran. There my grandmother raised four children, taught them Russian at home, Farsi was learned in the streets and French was taught at school. Already, we have a delicious smorgasbord of delights. My dad, one of nine children, was the only of his siblings born in Jerusalem, Israel. His family traveled across the Silk Road from Mashhad, Iran to be among the first settlers in Israel in the 1800s. More flavor to add to the pot.
After my parents were married, they eventually immigrated to the US; Hollywood, California to be exact. A few years later, I came into the picture. Truly, I think I came into the world singing, “Don’t Rain on My Parade”. Mom must’ve been listening to a lot of Barbra Streisand. I somehow have a Brooklyn accent that no one can explain.
As you can imagine, our holidays were always filled with incredible food, family and friends. My grandmother, Babu (short for Babushka) was the ultimate chef. Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur were the holidays where her culinary prowess shone bright. Roasted Chicken, Khoresht Ghormeh Sabzi, a Persian beef stew infused with fenugreek. Listen, there’s no other way to describe it other than “crack”. It’s crack ok. Why? Because you can’t have just one serving. That’s why. It’s sooooo good. My mother, too, inherited her culinary skills, going further by teaching herself how to bake French Style pastries and cakes at home. These two were the queens of their girlfriend gatherings. They were the Girls’ Night In OG’s. If you know anything about the Persian gal pal community, that circle is impenetrable and mighty!
Alas, here is where I watched and learned. During the weeks of prep for these gatherings and every year during the holidays. I had a reserved seat at both their kitchen tables. Like so many young Jewish children, we witness the forming of our family’s tradition from the point of view of an eight years old peering just over the top of mama’s and nana’s stove tops and counters.
Not being able to stay away, despite all my other endeavors, Musical Theatre among them, I (finally) enrolled in culinary school. Today, I am a personal chef and caterer. Owning my own catering company, LĒZA. I am proud to bring you my family’s traditional dishes with a twist. You can’t grow up in Los Angeles and not be inspired by our Latin American and Asian American friends. Their flavors, herbs and spices, I have discovered ( to my unbridled delight) marry so beautifully with Middle Eastern Flavors. This is our niche and what sets us apart from others. We offer a unique Calli-Mediterranean experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
An entrepreneur is one who sets off to create in the world what they see in their mind. She is enterprising, gutsy and tenacious. Setting off on that journey is filled with obstacles, naysayers and roadblocks. The toughest struggle yields the greatest reward. I don’t think there’s a challenge we haven’t yet faced. But, what those struggles do teach is a record that I can trust. My own. No matter how tough, the only way out is through it, and the only way to grow, expand and build that dream is to keep going; smarter, wiser and better for having gone through it. Each time we overcome a struggle, I have proof that I can get through it. I have proven to myself what I am capable of. That gives me the confidence to know my worth, the confidence to know my company’s value and the evidence I need to keep on going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about LEZA?
We are a Cali-Mediterranean Food and Pastry company specializing in that je ne sais quois; the mystique of the Mediterranean experience. We are hospitality exemplified. We are a fusion of flavors infused by my, Chef Elizabeth’s family heritage; heightened by my contribution, exploration and expansion of these flavors with those I enjoyed growing up in Hollywood, California. The flavors of Latin American and Asian cuisine inspire all my menus. From Middle Eastern dishes to Eastern European, to the Mediterranean and back to the beaches of California, we tell the story of our philosophy that sharing a meal brings people together no matter their differences. What better love language than the love language of food. We offer this heightened food experience in all the menus we create in the life-cycle events we’ve catered. I am so proud that through my brand story, potential clients feel my philosophy which draws them into work with us. We are so proud to offer not only catering and bakery menus to our clients but also a highly selected cooking Masterclass Series that’s available to purchase through my website.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There’s no question that finding a mentor or coach is a must for any entrepreneur in any field. I’ve had a few. Each mentor/coach taught me something I didn’t know or how to find that within me to push beyond my own limiting beliefs. I would say the most important thing to remember is never be afraid to ask for help or to ask questions. Especially when you’ve got a team helping you with your vision. Ask about deadlines, turnaround time, and response time. Ask the agency or other resource the questions you may be hesitant about. Be bold, respectful and courageous. There’s true power in it.
As far as networking? It’s invaluable, of course. Whatever your field jumping right in and meeting people is how you are able to get people to know your brand. This will encourage them to buy from you, to become your fan base and loyal customers. Your brand by the way? Is you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cafeleza.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/cafe_leza
- Facebook: facebook.com/cafeleza
Image Credits
Lauren Cheek
