Today we’d like to introduce you to Bassam Medawar.
Bassam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We are Bassam and Jill Medawar. Bassam immigrated to the us in 1984 and lived in flint, mi for 1 year where he graduated high school. He moved to Woodbridge in 1985 and began working at Sea Sea & Co as a dishwasher. He quickly moved through the ranks and became the general manager a few years later. Eventually he moved on to work in social city clubs to include the cosmos club and the city tavern club. Wanting to expand his knowledge of club operations he worked at Kenwood golf and country club in Bethesda before settling at Springfield Golf and Country Club for the next 20 years. Finally rounding out his club career at the Georgetown club before opening Bourbon and Fig.
Jill is the current owner of Toulies en Fleur, a floral design studio in Tackett’s mill, lower level.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say most the issues were in the planning/construction stages where we did not know certain elements or processes. When building Bourbon & Fig where a restaurant did not exist, it is very involving. Every foot of space is accounted for, especially in the back of the house. We are fortunate that we have been involved in this industry for a long time and were able to get past most hurdles without compromising our vision.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Bassam has been involved in the hospitality industry since 1985. He began working at a local restaurant as a dishwasher and eventually became the general manager. He worked for the same company but at different restaurants for 12 years. After that, he began working in Washington DC at the Cosmos Club. An exclusive private social club. He stayed in the club industry moving around a few clubs to broaden his knowledge before deciding it was the right time to create Bourbon & Fig.
Jill is the current owner of Toulies en Fleur, a floral design firm also located in the Tacketts Mill shopping center. Her work has been featured in numerous national publications and has consistently been named as a top floral designer in the DMV area. Her work has been featured at the US Capitol, the White House, the National Gallery of Art, The Inn at Little Washington and numerous notable venues. She brought about the design esthetic for the interior of Bourbon and Fig, creating a thoughtfully curated collection of art, refined finishes and personal touches.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Bassam grew up in Beirut, Lebanon until summer of 1984. The civil war was really all that he experienced as a kid. But he always had interest in electrical work, mostly electronics. He really thought he would end up as an electrical engineer. He enjoys tinkering with things and processes to make them better and more efficient.
Jill was raised in Michigan and moved to Northern Virginia in the early 90’s, where she met Bassam. She has worked in the interior design field, as well as marketing and public relations. She discovered her passion for floral design later in life and never looked back. What began as a side job in her home kitchen has grown far beyond anything she would have expected. Proving you are never too old to find your true passion or calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bourbonfig.com
- Instagram: @bourbonfig
