Entertaining with Dr Maryam Zamani
The in-demand surgeon to the A-list talks us through her tips and tricks
When it comes to skin care and celebrity-worthy ‘tweakments’, there’s only one name you need in your little black book: Dr Maryam Zamani is one of the most highly respected oculoplastic and leading aesthetic doctors in London, practicing from the quiet, discreet and oh-so in-demand Cadogan Clinic on Sloane Street. Zamani also has her own skincare range, MZ Skin, which is loved by everyone from Elle Macpherson to Gwyneth Paltrow. In between treating her patients and running her super successful business, Zamani loves to entertain and is known for her dinner parties, which fuse her knack for Persian cooking (a nod to her Iranian heritage) with great tablescapes and intimate guestlists. Here, she lets us in on her kitchen must-haves, her guilty pleasure – and the one thing she’ll never order.
The juicer.
Well, if you’re Iranian like I am, I’d have to say Najmieh Batmanglij’s Food Of Life, which I love.
All kinds of berries: blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, along with mangoes, mandarins, lots of water, feta cheese and kale.
That’s a hard one… I would say the most memorable meals are not about the food itself but about the decor, the mood, and – most importantly – the people!
Good lighting!
We’re having Persian rice and a stew of fenugreek, kidney beans and other yummy greens.
I don’t really like anything fried (except french fries, that is!)
Given that I help people feel and look the best version of themselves, I am most commonly asked ‘How can I look better?’ or ‘What would you do for me?’
It’s more a whole type of cooking – I would love to be able to make sushi properly.
I like to keep it intimate, sometimes sprinkling different friends in. I always love to have delicious and healthy food – either Persian, Japanese or Italian. I like to personalize the table a bit too, and add some atmospheric lighting and good music. Finally, I would recommend getting help, so that you can enjoy the evening yourself!
I would love to have met Estée Lauder. I’ve just finished her son’s book (The Company I Keep: My Life in Beauty by Leonard A. Lauder) and I just admire how fierce and bold she was.
Peanut M&Ms!
I like to always take something special for the hostess. If I find a new place that does excellent chocolates or dessert I’ll choose like that, or I’ll take something fun or special for the house.
