Hannan Zary is someone who's been quietly changing the way I think about food, travel, and what it means to truly connect with people. If you attended Camp Lola Whiskey last year, you already know exactly who I'm talking about - she's the chef behind Tamoont Dining and Gathering who created those incredible meals that had everyone losing their minds.

But here's what you don't know about Hannan: She's been traveling since she was two years old, took her first solo trip at seven, and has spent her entire life navigating between two cultures while teaching herself to cook by obsessively watching the Food Network as a teenager. She's someone who was working in professional kitchens at 15, grinding through culinary school and restaurant jobs, all while fighting this nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right.

Hannan's traveled to over 20 countries across four continents, and everywhere she goes, she's paying attention to how people gather, how they slow down, and how they use food to build something that we're desperately missing in American culture - genuine connection. This conversation goes deep. We're talking about the lost art of slowing down, what it means to trust your instincts even when everyone thinks you're crazy, why Americans have completely forgotten how to relax, and her dream of getting entire communities to sit down and share food together.

Upcoming Trips Mentioned:

Kenya: March 11 - 21, 2026 + March 25 - April 4, 2026
Morocco: April 10-19 + September 4 - 13, 2026
Camp Lola Whiskey: August 27-30, 2026

Links & Resources (Hannan)

Links & Resources (Laura)

Follow my personal IG: @lolawhiskey
Follow my business IG: @lauraericsongrouptrips
Follow our podcast: @type2travelpodcast
Learn more about upcoming trips: lauraericson.com
Check out our podcast page: lauraericson.com/podcast
Join my Facebook group: @lolalovestravel

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A Self-Taught Chef's Journey Through Moroccan Food and International Cuisine