Chef George is passionate about creating food that nourishes both body and soul. He believes that sharing a meal is one of our most fundamental human instincts—a way to celebrate, to mourn, and even to conduct business. A self-taught chef, George began his culinary journey in the West Bank town of Ramallah, learning to cook alongside his grandmother. His rich heritage—rooted in a great-grandfather who emigrated from Edirne, Greece (now in Turkey) to Jerusalem and a great-grandmother of Palestinian descent—infuses his dishes with a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Since 2018, Chef George has been at the helm of Ikaros Greek Restaurant in Oakland, specializing in Palestinian, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine that emphasizes health and simplicity. Guided by the belief that our bodies renew themselves every six months through the food we eat, he sees each meal as an opportunity to contribute to personal growth and well-being. For Chef George, serving food isn’t just about nourishment—it’s about honoring life’s moments and making a meaningful difference.