Episode 27 - Sea‘Le Negresco Hotel’, Nice, France, 27 December
The waiter brings our orders, a beefsteak for me and a vegetarian risotto for Mohammed.
'Are you a vegetarian?' I ask, curiously studying the culinary creation presented on his plate.
'No, I’m afraid, not. You see, when in Europe, I don't order meat in restaurants,' he replies and thrusts his fork into the rice tower.
'Why so, if you do not mind me asking?'
'That's because I'm a Muslim from the Emirates, under Islamic Shariʻah we're allowed only halal meat.'
'Oh, I see,' I say, suddenly feeling guilty for the display of my not very halal habits in front of this mysterious Emirati.
'Please, don't shy away from eating your meal. There is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy it,' he says, noticing my hesitation.
I relax a
