Bringing the tailored flavour of Palestine to Midleton

Salinas is a special place in Midleton that represents Palestinian cuisine. In these days when we talk about war and death, the story of this business can give hope and strength to all of us. Abdulla AL-Shmmasneh and his wife moved to Ireland in 2006 and built a new life with their daughter, who was born later. The family opened a restaurant called ‘Salinas’ in Midleton in 2019. Abdulla says the name of the business comes from his three daughters’ names first two letters. The family experienced great difficulties, especially during the Covid-19 epidemic. In order to keep the newly opened business afloat, they started to provide a takeaway service and they fought hard to prevent this place, which offers traditional dishes to Midleton, from closing, and they were successful. Here is the story of Salinas.

How long have you lived in Midleton and can you briefly share with me the story of coming to Ireland with your family?

I met my wife Dee in Bahrain , we were working for the same hotel back in 2003 , we made a decision in 2006 to move to Ireland so she could be closer to her family.

We started our own family with our first daughter Sara born in 2009, we welcomed Lilli in 2011 and finally Lena in 2012 . We named Salinas after the girls, combining the first two letters of each of their names.

We opened back in 2019, something that has been a dream of mine, I love to cook and coming up with new ideas, I am a feeder even when I’m at home, which is not too often as any self employed person can relate too. Not long after we opened, covid hit, it was extremely upsetting but we adapted and started to do takeaways and deliveries, which kept us going and was nice to see my customers briefly and keep in touch. Normality returned, only to be hit with another blow with the energy crisis, which has taken a huge toll on everyone and is still continuing, not to mention wage increases, the Vat hike, it is relentless and crucifying.

One would think by combatting this and battling on, surely we are coming out the other side. Unfortunately not, Midleton was hit by flash flooding in October.

It has devastated the towns, businesses and homes, it was a very surreal situation to be in, and not my first, as our home in Glanmire was hit back in June 2012, that day in October, I kept ringing Dee for an update to see were they ok, was the house ok, not realising it was going to hit Midleton aswell. We had not long opened little Salinas takeaway too up the other end of the main street.

Within in a week of the floods, just after getting back on our feet again, our office upstairs went on fire, you actually could not make it up as nobody would believe you but you have to keep going.

When did you open your business in Midleton? Could you share with me your positive or negative experiences in the town?

I really saw Midleton come out as a community after the floods, people were amazing, they put their own fears aside and stood together, cleaned together, donated, so many people displaced from their homes, we rallied, got donation boxes set up for Midleton hub, who do an amazing job. I really hope the Government step up soon for the flood relief scheme in Midleton or have individual flood barriers supplied for people to have peace of mind, we have waited in Glanmire for 12 years of worry every time there’s heavy rain or storms.

I really feel for everyone to have that stress and no insurance, I think the Government could maybe set up a flood fund/insurance policy that affected people/areas can pay into. I think the UK have something already set up so maybe a prototype they can look into?

Your business offers traditional dishes and delicacies to customers. Have you encountered any difficulties in introducing and presenting these flavours to people who have been accustomed to eating fast food by the global food industry?

Salinas is predominantly Palestinian cuisine, which has been met with great love from our customers, some a little reluctant thinking it’s all hot and spicy. However, it is really flavours, as someone quoted ‘OMG its like a party in my mouth’.

We also have many European dishes, we really cater for every dietary requirement, vegan, vegetarian, coeliac. To be honest every dish is cooked to order so we can tweak a customers requirement, we often get people with severe allergies, I will meet them and make them a dish especially for them, I just love the challenge and seeing my customers enjoying their food, love a clean plate coming back into the kitchen!

You have a huge Palestinian flag in your business. Of course, we need to talk about the genocide and tragedy in Palestine. How did this process affect you and what was the reaction of the people around you?

Yes I do have Palestinian flags in Salinas, there’s two, wish I could fit more. We did a fundraiser for doctors without borders for Palestine and raised a whopping €6,000 so we can definitely feel the Irish support and people behind us.

What is happening in my beloved country is absolutely horrific and allowed to continue in these times is mind blowing , where is the rest of the world?

Basic needs are with drawn, no hospitals, children not allowed to be children, no education, this is all they know.

To watch people dying, families starving, with less then minimal aid getting is beyond disgusting.

Basic needs are with drawn, no hospitals, children not allowed to be children, no education, this is all they know!

Parents not able to protect and feed their own families. I am lucky my immediate family are in California, however I do have family in the West Bank, so the worry is always there for us!

Ireland, Spain and Norway announced that they officially recognise Palestine. What would you like to say about this subject?

I am proud Ireland has stood up along with Spain and Norway, Ireland has always been a fantastic supporter of Palestine, now we need more countries to stand up with us. Enough is enough, the world needs to stand up and step in for a cease fire!

What message would you like to convey to people living in East Cork and Midleton in particular?

I would like to praise the people of Midleton and East Cork for the support and friendship over the last five years, looking forward to many more and meeting new faces.