| By Jennifer Primrose | Photography by Jessica Bratton |
Hidden just past I-540 on Highway 64, FigMINT Farms feels like a world apart, where twinkling lights, a long communal table, and the aroma of fresh herbs create a welcoming atmosphere. Here, communities gather for Dinner in the Pines, an immersive feast that brings Sassool’s beloved Mediterranean flavors into the woods.
Simone and Noelle Saleh, daughters of Mounir Saleh (owner of Sassool), now manage the restaurants and carry the family’s approach to hospitality, customer service, and culinary expertise into FigMINT Farms. They design and run events like Dinner in the Pines, seamlessly blending Sassool’s warmth with the farm’s unique setting.
In 2018, Mounir purchased the property that would become FigMINT Farms. Initially, it was an investment, with no concrete plan for its future. “He didn’t really know what the future of this land was, but he knew that
the area was growing,” Simone recalls. Inspired by his mother’s love of mint in everyday Lebanese cooking, Mounir built a mint garden to support the restaurant.
“It’s super prevalent in everyday Lebanese cooking. His mom, Sassool, used it so much in her daily sandwiches for the boys. So he said, ‘I know mint. We grew it my whole life. I can manage mint,’” Simone says. The garden has since doubled in size, and last year’s harvest totaled over 1,800 pounds of mint—enough to supply Sassool’s locations and share with employees.
During the pandemic, the Saleh family enhanced the pavilion setting with additions such as lighting and a firepit, gradually transforming the property from a private gathering space to a more public venue. Paths, weatherproofing, and florals completed the venue’s evolution, making it an inviting place for celebrations.
Mounir suggested that once the pandemic eased, the property could be shared with the community. By 2022 the family had a plan for hosting events, paving the way for public rentals. While Dinner in the Pines has become FigMINT Farms’ signature event, the property is versatile. “We’ve hosted birthdays, reunions, yoga groups, and even corporate retreats. Whether you’re walking through the garden, the pine groves, or the pond path, every spot is photo-worthy,” Noelle says. Each experience benefits from the same thoughtful touches that began as private family celebrations. It’s in this context that Dinner in the Pines was born, transforming the forested grounds into an immersive, candlelit dining experience unlike any other.
A Warm Welcome In the Pines
Guests arrive under the rustic charm of the pavilion, greeted with drinks and a carefully prepared assortment of small bites. “We want people to relax as soon as they arrive,” Noelle explains. Every detail—from the table arrangements to the presentation of fresh ingredients—reflects the hospitality the Saleh sisters learned while working alongside their father at Sassool. This prelude sets the tone for the evening, allowing guests to take in the farm’s beauty before proceeding down the forested path that leads to Dinner in the Pines.
As you leave the pavilion and follow the path into the trees, the world shifts. The faint rumble of traffic nearby fades away, replaced by the quiet footsteps on gravel, murmurs of conversation, and the glow of lights strung high above. Ahead, a long table awaits, glowing with candles, scattered with pomegranates and apples, and dressed for a spectacular feast. “This was always the vision. Guests would come out here during the day and think backyard barbecue. But I knew it could be more—something elevated, something magical,” Simone says. Sitting at that long table, with strangers on either side quickly becoming friends, feels like stepping into another world. Every seat encourages conversation, every detail invites lingering, and every guest becomes part of the story.
Dinner unfolds family-style, with each dish a nod to the flavors that have defined Sassool for over a decade: grilled Mediterranean chicken, spanakopita, curry rice, autumn root salad, sweet potato salad, jalapeño cilantro hummus, and warm pita bread. “The farm started as a way to grow ingredients for Sassool. It’s incredible to see it come full circle—the place where the ingredients start has now become the setting where guests enjoy them,” Simone says. Guests pass dishes around, sharing bites and conversation, creating a rhythm of communal enjoyment. “By the end of the night, you feel like you’ve known the people next to you forever,” Simone says. “It’s about food, yes—but even more, it’s about connection,” Noelle adds.
More Than Just Dinner
As the final bites are savored, guests release lanterns onto the pond, glowing softly against the water’s reflection—an opportunity to make a wish, hoping it comes to fruition. Later, everyone gathers around the firepit, roasting marshmallows into s’mores. “It’s about creating memories. One of my favorite moments was a surprise birthday dinner. The guest of honor walked into the woods and saw the table for the first time— and the look on their face said it all,” Simone shares.
Every detail—from the mint garden to menu planning—reflects the sisters’ dedication to creating meaningful experiences and carrying forward the family’s culinary and hospitality legacy. Mounir Saleh’s influence is evident throughout: By teaching his daughters what he knows about the restaurant industry and customer service, he has guided generations in creating Sassool’s culinary and hospitality magic.
Dinner in the Pines continues to sell out, and the Saleh sisters are planning new ways to share the magic. A Date Night in the Pines package is set to debut, featuring a private table for two, Champagne, chocolates, and an optional photographer for milestone moments. “The property is so peaceful and romantic. We want it to be second nature for people to celebrate their special occasions here,” Simone says. “Dinner in the Pines is our way of saying thank you—to our community, to our family, and to everyone who shares in this experience with us,” Noelle adds.
Interested in experiencing Dinner in the Pines or reserving FigMINT Farms for another event? Reservations are required, and spots often sell out quickly. Guests can visit the farm’s website to learn about upcoming dates, availability, and special packages. FigMINT Farms is located at 1501 Two Pond Lane in Apex.
At its heart, Dinner in the Pines embodies FigMINT Farms: community, creativity, and connection. Sassool’s history—from the restaurant to the farm—threads through every element, making the experience uniquely theirs. Every candlelit table, every passed dish, and every floating lantern reflects the care, creativity, and passion of the Saleh sisters. With Sassool’s magic woven throughout, FigMINT Farms is a destination where flavors, stories, and people intersect, leaving guests with an evening—and a memory—they won’t soon forget.
