The man behind most of New York’s best Israeli restaurants is Chef Eyal Shani. Malka, HaSalon, Port Sa’id, Miznon and Michelin-starred Shmoné are just a few examples of Shani’s beloved dining establishments.
In March, we caught up with the MasterChef while he was visiting New York to work on Shmoné and the recently opened Shmoné Wine. “We’ve created a place for the city to gather, share stories and enjoy incredible food,” he says of Shmoné Wine. “I am looking forward to spending time at the restaurant, the wine bar, and really understanding the space.”
When he isn’t at his own institutions around the globe, Shani loves to dine in Paris and travel to Tel Aviv (with a carry on, of course). He’s also hoping to spend time in Italy this summer with a special someone (read: his wife).
Want more? Here’s what to know about the legendary chef, when it comes to travel.
Other than your own restaurants, what are your favorite restaurants and what dishes do you order?
Many of my favorite restaurants in the world are in Paris. One is Les Enfants du Marché in the Marché des Enfants-Rouges. It’s a very simple restaurant — a bar in the middle of the market, but what makes it so special is they are changing the menu every day, and using the most incredible ingredients. I had the most incredible dish — fresh sardines in black tempura.
I also love L’Ami Louis, which is a bistro in Paris. It’s more expensive than the traditional restaurant, but everything they have is the best— the frog legs, lamb rack, cherries, and Bordeaux wine. Everything they are doing is so primitive; cooking and roasting inside an iron box with an open fire. It’s such a special place.
What is your favorite place to visit for work? How about for pleasure?
It’s a difficult question — there is no perfect place in the world. Every city has its beauty and its challenges. Tel Aviv is the most flexible city. You imagine something, and before the thought is even complete, you’re already creating it.
New York is different. It’s a city of professionals, built with precision and structure. It can make your dreams come true, but it will also break them into pieces and reassemble them in its own way.
Even in Singapore, where I have a Miznon and North Miznon, everything is executed with incredible accuracy. The people are precise, disciplined, easy to work with—but flexibility does not exist. There is no perfect place, but that’s what makes each one special. I love so many places for exactly these reasons.
What is your favorite hotel, and why?
My favorite hotel is the American Colony in Jerusalem. In this hotel, you feel the essence of Jerusalem. It’s the meeting point of the east and the west in a very balanced way. It’s such a romantic place with an interesting history.
What is your favorite in-flight snack and beverage?
This is the reason why I’m so happy to fly. When I fly El Al, I am waiting for the roasted almonds and a glass of wine. I love this so much. I know it’s simple — I could make it at home. But on the plane, it is perfect.
Are you someone who brings only a carry on, or do you check bags?
I am now in New York for two weeks, so I have to travel with heavy bags. Most of the time I have a carry-on. To me, the ability to run away is one of the most beautiful things in the world. I am working so hard, but I have the freedom to put my tools away and leave if I wanted to. A carry-on is the only answer.
What is in your carry on?
I always have my knife with me for any trips I take. Without my knife, I don’t know how to cut. It takes years to learn to cut with a knife. I also always have a book with me. Right now, I’m reading The Candy House by Jennifer Eagen. She’s one of the greatest authors.
Where will you be traveling this spring and summer?
I hope to spend time traveling to my home in Italy. I have a small home in the north of Tuscany, near La Spezia. It’s an incredible place. The house is located on a rock that stands in the middle of the big river. It stands alone, in the middle of the wide forest — and you cannot hear anything. It is one of my favorite places. I have a big fireplace and most of the time I’m cutting wood, and cooking with my wife.
Where is one place you’ve never been to, but want to go?
I most want to go to the Galapagos Islands. I’m in love with turtles. I’ve never met them in nature, but I know when I see them I will understand, and feel all of the happiness.
What do you like to do when you are in New York City and have a day off?
When I’m in NYC and have a day off, I love to walk the streets and experience it. I walk the streets without any thoughts, and stop into some of my favorite restaurants, like B&H Dairy and Sushi Yasuda. I go to museums, the Union Square Market, and enjoy the city and its people.
What is the most spontaneous trip you’ve been on?
Though it was not the most spontaneous, I got a very strong feeling, and decided I had to go to Cyprus. It was the place that I had the biggest feeling of freedom. That is a feeling I will remember forever.
What is your favorite souvenir or keepsake from a trip?
Mostly, it’s about food. I’m always carrying ingredients from places I’ve traveled to. In New York, I find Japanese ingredients, and Japanese knives. I have expensive taste, so most of the things I look at, I do not buy. I always try to bring my wife something back — she loves Aesop soap, so whenever I see it, I buy some for her.
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