Eyal Shani, the renowned Israeli chef, has created a global culinary empire with restaurants in major cities including New York, Singapore, Miami, Tel Aviv, and Los Angeles. His latest venture, an elevated kosher restaurant named Malka, recently opened in Beverly Hills. Shani describes the West Coast as a symbol of freedom and a unique civilization, distinct from the influences of the East Coast.
Shani’s cooking philosophy is about making food universally appealing, aiming to connect people from various cultures and backgrounds, not just the Jewish community. He excels at finding beauty in everyday life, which is reflected in his simple yet profound cuisine.
Tomatoes play a significant role in his culinary experience. At his restaurants, fresh tomatoes are not just ingredients but decorative elements, and during the Malka opening, they were centrally featured. Inspired by the vibrant produce of Southern California, Shani emphasizes the difference between working with truly fresh ingredients and merely fresh ones. In an interview with Observer, he shared insights into the rituals and philosophies that enhance the flavors in his life, both in and out of the kitchen.
