Chef Eyal Shani’s New Restaurant, Malka, Brings a Taste of Israel to West Palm Beach
Chef Eyal Shani, a renowned Israeli chef and judge on "MasterChef Israel," is all set to open his new restaurant, Malka, in downtown West Palm Beach on December 9. With a global concept conglomerate, The Good People Group, that includes HaSalon, North Abraxas, Shmoné, Miznon, Port Sa’id, and Mirage, Shani is known for his culinary expertise, and Malka is expected to be a game-changer in the city’s food scene.
Inspiration from Israel and Beyond
Shani’s menu is a fusion of flavors inspired by his birthplace in Jerusalem, his family’s Moroccan and Iraqi Jewish heritage, and Israel’s cultural mix of Jewish, Arab, and traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ingredients and techniques. His grandfather, an agronomist and a dedicated vegan, taught him about the local fields and vineyards, which is reflected in the menu’s emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
A New Concept
Malka is not just another restaurant; it’s an experience that combines Shani’s passion for food with his love for people. "For me, in my entire life, everything is a kind of ingredient that in the end I’m assembling into a food," he says. "In each place that I’m creating a restaurant, there is a new ingredient for the evolution of my food. My food is moving. There’s a kind of evolution that develops my language. I have my own language."
The Concept of Community
Shani believes that creating a community is essential, and a restaurant is a vital part of that. "She told me that if there are a lot of Jewish [people] that are living in one place, it doesn’t mean that they are living … in a community. For creating a community, you need three things: The first thing that you need is a synagogue, the second is a school, and the third is a restaurant. She tried to find somebody that will come with this spirit and put it in a restaurant."
The Concept of Fire
Malka is also introducing a new element to Jewish kosher cuisine – the element of fire. Shani is incorporating an open fire grill, where he will cook a variety of dishes, including slow-cooked meats and vegetables. "There’s a line of 12 meters that’s a big [grill] made out of bricks that we are going to burn woods and to cook in," he explains. "There are so many different kinds of ovens and instruments that are based on open fire. And when I saw that, I said to myself: Whoa, the Jewish kosher cuisine was never based on fireplaces, on open fire cooking, never, never. So I said to myself: I may invent a brand-new kosher cuisine to the Jewish communities in the world."
Conclusion
Malka is set to revolutionize the way we think about Jewish kosher cuisine, and Shani’s passion for food, community, and innovation is sure to make it a hit. With its unique blend of flavors and its focus on community, Malka is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a new culinary experience.
FAQs
Q: What is the concept behind Malka?
A: Malka is a restaurant that combines Shani’s passion for food with his love for people, bringing a new concept to the world of Jewish kosher cuisine.
Q: What inspired the name Malka?
A: The name Malka is derived from the Hebrew word for "queen," but it also has a deeper meaning, referring to a queen with a kind of holiness, and a connection to the name of Shani’s business partner’s grandmother, Malka.
Q: What makes Malka different from other restaurants?
A: Malka is introducing a new element to Jewish kosher cuisine – the element of fire, with an open fire grill and a focus on slow-cooked meats and vegetables.
Q: When does Malka open?
A: Malka is set to open on December 9 in downtown West Palm Beach.
