Chef Hillel Tavakali’s renowned restaurant, Animar, is set to close its doors after a successful six-year run, during which it solidified its position as one of Israel‘s top chef restaurants. The restaurant, which opened its doors in 2019 in a space previously occupied by the “Raphael” and “Hula” restaurants, offered a modern take on Mediterranean cuisine, earning it a prestigious 26th ranking on the 50 BEST list for North Africa and the East in 2024.
The owners of Animar shared the news of the closure on the restaurant’s Instagram page, citing the country’s unstable political climate and its impact on the restaurant sector as the reason behind their decision.
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“Following several years of success, recognition, and catering to tens of thousands of locals and tourists, we have made the difficult decision not to renew our lease and close Animar’s doors for the time being due to the country’s unstable situation and its impact on the restaurant sector,” the post reads. The announcement also hints at the possibility of the restaurant reopening in the future, stating, “For us, this is not the end of the story, as the name Animar represents the soul of the Mediterranean – a soul that will forever remain.” The post continues, “We hope and believe that better days will come, and we will return to host, feed, and celebrate with you once again. As you know us, we don’t just disappear like that.”
Animar will officially close its doors at the end of July. “In the coming month, we will invite the restaurant’s loyal patrons, friends, and families to come and experience the best of Animar’s cuisine, drinks, and atmosphere one last time,” the owners wrote, expressing their gratitude to Chef Hillel Tawakuli for his dedication, creativity, and originality, which contributed to the restaurant’s success and global recognition as part of the 50Best. “We thank Hillel for the unforgettable and delicious food he always served with a generous hand and wholeheartedly. We wish Hillel success and believe that our paths will cross again in the future.”
Title: The Unfortunate Closure of Animar: The Impact of Politics on the Culinary Scene
As a famous blog news writer, I was saddened to hear the news of the closure of Chef Hillel Tavakali’s renowned restaurant, Animar, in Israel. After a successful six-year run, Animar solidified its position as one of the country’s top chef restaurants, offering a modern take on Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant’s prestige was cemented by its 26th ranking on the 50 BEST list for North Africa and the East in 2024. However, the country’s unstable political climate and its impact on the restaurant sector have led to the unfortunate decision to close its doors.
The news of the closure was shared on the restaurant’s Instagram page, which has been met with an outpouring of support and well-wishes from loyal customers and fans. This development highlights the challenges faced by businesses in the hospitality industry, particularly those that rely heavily on tourism and dining out.
It is not only Animar that is affected by the closure. The restaurant sector as a whole is experiencing the ripple effects of the country’s unstable politics. The uncertainty and insecurity in the region have led to a decline in tourism, which has subsequently impacted the demand for dining out. This has put immense pressure on restaurants like Animar, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their operations.
The impact of politics on the culinary scene cannot be overstated. The closure of Animar serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between politics and businesses. When politics becomes unstable, it can have far-reaching consequences for industries that rely on consumer confidence and tourism.
This is not an isolated incident, as other businesses and initiatives have also been affected by the country’s unstable politics. For example, the ANIMar 19 exhibition was closed in May 2024, citing similar reasons [[1]]. Additionally, online forums and communities have been discussing the challenges faced by businesses in the country, with individuals sharing their personal experiences and offering suggestions on how to navigate the uncertain landscape [[2]].
It is essential to acknowledge the human aspect of this closure. The hardworking staff and owners of Animar have invested their time, effort, and resources into creating a culinary experience that has touched the hearts of many. The closure of the restaurant is not just a business decision but also a personal loss for those involved.
the closure of Animar is a stark reminder of the impact of politics on the culinary scene. The restaurant sector is particularly vulnerable to changes in consumer confidence and tourism, making it essential for businesses to be adaptable and resilient in the face of uncertainty. We must acknowledge the human aspect of this closure and offer support to those affected.
As we bid farewell to Animar, we must also recognize the importance of preserving the culinary heritage of the region. There are still efforts underway to support businesses like Animar, such as the Animare RIFUGIO ANIMARE odv, which provides a safe haven for animals and promotes animal welfare [[3]].
As we look to the future, it is essential that we find ways to support businesses like Animar, which have brought joy and flavor to our lives. By acknowledging the challenges faced by these businesses and working together to address them, we can create a more sustainable and resilient culinary scene that benefits everyone.