Mohammed Hashem Ahmed "Abu Ahmed" Lukatah

Mohammed Hashem Ahmed LUKATAH "Abu Ahmed" Born April 12, 1944 Jerusalem, Palestine Died July 23, 2010 Seattle, WA Mohammed passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. He immigrated to Seattle in 1975 from Amman, Jordan. In 1978, he and a friend Walid approached the Washington Plaza, currently the Westin Hotel, with the idea of a fine dining experience in celebration of the King Tut exhibit in 1978.The rest is history and "IN CELEBRATION OF THE NILE" was hugely successful on the Plaza's 40th floor and had a very successful run and Mohammed as the creative chef launched his career as a pioneer for the introduction of Mediterranean Cuisine to the Northwest. In the 80's he established "The Karawan" Mediterranean restaurant in the University District. Later he owned and operated the Olive Tree Pizzeria on Capitol Hill. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judy; his son Selva Ahmed (Vancouver, WA) and his brothers Majed and Hani (B & O Espresso); cousin Ayman and nephew Abdullah from Seattle. Mohammed had many friends in Seattle, especially Ajami, and was beloved by all. He was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Snohomish on 7/24/10. Donations in memory of Abu Ahmed may be made c/o Rita Zawaideh's Salaam Cultural Museum (SCM), PO Box 31642, Seattle, WA 98103 to fund "Abu Ahmed" Palestine Children's Fund. Sign Mohammed's guest book at www.Legacy.com.