CHEF EYAL A

Gastronomic Experience That Will Shake You

Superstar Chef Eyal Shani brings his tales, charm and global culinary skills to Dubai

Chef Eyal Shani is an Israeli celebrity chef and restaurateur who has significantly impacted the culinary scene both only in Israel and around the world. Known for his innovative approach to cooking, he has become a household name in Israel and impacted with his restaurants being highly sought-after destinations for food enthusiasts.

Born in Jerusalem in 1959, Shani initially studied photography before discovering his passion for cooking. He began his culinary journey at 16 when he started working as a chef in a local restaurant. After completing his military service, he moved to Paris to refine his culinary skills and worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the city.

In the early 1990s, Shani returned to Israel and opened his first restaurant in Tel Aviv. The restaurant was an instant success, and he quickly gained a reputation for his unique culinary style, which was heavily influenced by his time in Paris. He opened several more restaurants, which became famous for their relaxed, joyous atmosphere together with delicious and simple dishes.

Shani's cooking philosophy is based on a deep respect for ingredients and a desire to showcase their natural flavours. He is known for using fresh, seasonal produce and his preference for cooking over an open flame, which he believes brings out the best taste. He is also known for his minimalist approach to plating, preferring to let the food speak for itself.

One of Shani's signature dishes is his roasted cauliflower, which has become a global sensation. The dish is simple but flavourful, featuring roasted cauliflower with tahini and lemon sauce. This plate has become so popular that it has been replicated in restaurants worldwide. Shani has even opened a pop-up restaurant in New York City dedicated solely to the dish.

In addition to his restaurants, Shani is also a TV personality, having appeared on several Israeli cooking shows. He is known for his quirky personality and passion for cooking, and he has become a beloved figure in Israel and beyond. He has also authored several cookbooks which showcase his unique culinary style and philosophy.

Chef Eyal has profoundly impacted the culinary world in Israel and worldwide. His innovative approach to cooking, his respect for ingredients, and his passion for sharing his love of food with others have made him a true culinary icon.

The celebrity Chef has recently brought his vibrant Mediterranean cuisine and lively party atmosphere to Dubai with the opening of North Miznon at the Hilton DoubleTree in JBR in December 2022. The establishment is a partnership with Magna Hospitality, the group behind successful brands such as Tan Cha, 1 Oak, and Sumosan.

North Miznon Dubai boasts an industrial-cool dining room that perfectly reflects the bold and vibrant flavors on the plates. The interior design team at Color And Age (CAA) Studio has done a remarkable job of sourcing original artworks, ornate light fixtures, and vintage furniture from all over the world to create an eclectic and welcoming space with genuine warmth and personality. The dining area features rustic timbers, exposed pipes, and vivid pops of pomegranate and turquoise.

Framed by a counter overflowing with farm-fresh produce, the open kitchen is buzzing with activity as Shani's team of chefs prepare a dailychanging menu using a bounty of fresh ingredients. Outside, the terrace has been transformed into a lush sea-view garden, making it the ideal spot for sunset drinks and late-night shisha.

North Miznon Dubai is not your average cookie-cutter Miznon experience. Eyal Shani is a firm believer in celebrating fresh, local ingredients, so you can expect to see an abundance of fish and vegetables on the menu; with seasonal vegetable small plates and larger fish and meat dishes designed for sharing. With its unique ambiance and delectable dishes, North Miznon Dubai is a must-visit for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in the heart of the city.

"When it comes to Israel's location in the Middle East, they have always oriented themselves towards the West rather than the East. However, I have always looked towards the East because I believe that the people there are very similar to me. We share the same warm blood, warm hearts, and similar language and cuisine. That's why when I was given the opportunity to open a restaurant in Dubai, I knew I had to say yes." Says Chef Eyal.

Chef Eyal possesses a unique perspective, as he sees and feels things differently. He goes beyond the surface and looks for deeper meanings in everything. He eloquently describes Dubai as a city where people carry their own dreams, which somehow come together to form a collective dream come true for the nation. Unlike many other beautiful cities in the world that have already reached their peak, Dubai is just beginning, and being a part of its inception is an exhilarating feeling. Adds Chef Eyal.

Chef Eyal Shani has earned himself the nickname "cauliflower king" and "Chef Tomato" for his impressive ability to turn vegetables into the star of the show. This passion for plant-based cuisine stems from his grandfather, who was a dedicated vegan and agronomist. Eyal's grandfather was given the opportunity to travel to Paris to study the field of plant science for five years. However, as a requirement of the French Republic at the time, he was obligated to serve in South Africa and teach tribes how to grow their own plants. Initially, he was supposed to serve for only ten years, but he ended up staying in South Africa for thirty-five years. It was during this time that he became vegan and upon returning to Israel, he introduced veganism to the community, becoming the first person to do so.

During my childhood, my grandfather made it his mission to teach me how to appreciate and understand food. He insisted that my mother stop cooking for me and instead focused on squeezing vegetables, fruits, and roots into juices and salads. While my friends were enjoying cakes, I would sometimes cry because I wanted some too. In those moments, my grandfather would make a unique cake by pouring a mixture onto the roof to be cooked by the sun. The resulting cake had a top that tasted like the sun and a bottom that tasted like the roof, which was not always the most appetizing experience but one I will never forget.” Says Chef Eyal.

He further explains that this upbringing allowed him to recognise that vegetables, roots, leaves, and fruits are all individual creations, much like animals, with their own distinct characteristics. This understanding is reflected in his cooking style, which emphasizes the pure essence of each ingredient, rather than masking it with excessive spices and seasonings. Rather than blending and mixing ingredients, he aims to showcase the unique inner beauty of each component.

When I asked how Chef Eyal developed his unique perspective, he shared a profound philosophy. "As humans, our skin creates a wall that divides us, leading to fear and distance between us and everything else. This weak layer is responsible for anger, emptiness, and loneliness. However, by shortening this distance, we can nourish our souls. I chose to eliminate this distance and be completely present with everything I do, although it's not possible with everything and everybody, one must choose. I believe that there are no boundaries between the food I prepare and the people who enjoy it. It brings me immense fulfillment and I have chosen to live this way. It takes courage to fully immerse yourself in everything you do, as attention is energy, and whatever you give attention to, you give life to. By being attuned to the energy you give and receive, you can shape the course of your life".

Chef Eyal's philosophy is to let things come into his life naturally without forcing them. If something is meant for him, he welcomes it with an open mind and heart. However, if it doesn't feel right, he doesn't pursue it. This openness to what the universe has in store for him has led him to success in his career. Despite being tempted by offers to expand and take risks for big rewards, he never pursued anything that didn't align with his values and intentions. Chef Eyal believes that staying true to his purpose is what has made his endeavors successful. He never sought to be big, but rather to stay genuine in his approach.

Chef Eyal shared a story about turtles by the sea as a parting gift to me and you, to encourage us to stay open, focused, and present on the light that guides us, rather than the tempting, distracting shiny lights around us.

“Once I heard a story about a place where all the green sea turtles are born somewhere in Mexico. The female climbs from the sea to the shore to bury her eggs and return to the sea. After thirty days when the moon is full it reflects on the water and the sea. People discovered this phenomenon, and it became a tourist attraction. Eventually hotels, restaurants, and nightlife opened close by. The lights from the nightlife would distract the turtles so much that instead of following the reflection of the moon into the ocean, they would chase the artificial lights and die along the way. The moral of this story is that even if the light you’re seeing is strong, you must find your own light.”

Chef Eyal's culinary mastery, combined with his genuine and sincere demeanor towards people, creates moment,” says Chef Shani. “I can give you an experience that will shake you.”