Celebrity Chef Brings Kosher Delights too West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is experiencing a culinary renaissance with the arrival of Malka, a high-end kosher meat restaurant from renowned Israeli chef Eyal Shani. While snowbirds flock south for the winter, foodies from across the region are lining up for a taste of shani’s unique, Israeli-inspired cuisine. This marks the first Florida outpost for Malka, which already boasts accomplished locations in New York City and Tel Aviv. Shani’s gamble to open a kosher restaurant in West Palm Beach, a location somewhat removed from the Jewish hub of Boca Raton, appears to be paying off.“In its first week, they are fitting something like 150 people and there’s a waiting list of 300 people every night,” Shani said. “I think that we are doing a very beautiful thing.”
Malka’s stunning 10,500-square-foot space, designed by acclaimed Israeli architecture firm Kimmel Eshkolot Architects, features imported building materials that contribute to the restaurant’s elegant ambiance. The menu reflects Shani’s playful spirit with dishes like the signature “most famous Malka schnitzel” – chicken schnitzel with a mashed potato crust. Other offerings include “Hummus ragu, might be even closer to perfection,” ”a bloody pizza, no blood,” and “whole fish roasted on a terrifying fire.” Shani, a culinary force with 40 restaurants worldwide, is known for his innovative concepts like Miznon, a casual pita stand that popularized serving whole cauliflower as a main dish, and Hasalon, a trendy restaurant-meets-nightclub in Miami, New York, and Las Vegas. His Michelin-starred New York restaurant, Shmoné, demonstrates his commitment to fine dining. Out of all his ventures, onyl Malka and one kosher-certified Miznon in Times Square are kosher. This decision stemmed from Shani’s desire to cater to the majority of Israeli Jews who keep kosher. “They used to stand and look at my restaurant with eyes that want to swallow my restaurant. But they couldn’t because they are Orthodox and they are eating kosher,” he recalled. “Then I said to myself, my purpose in life is to cook for my people.And these are part of my people.” the idea for a kosher Israeli restaurant in West Palm Beach originated with philanthropist Terry kassel, who sought a world-class chef to bring her vision to life. “‘Please join me to create a Jewish community in Palm Beach,’” he recalled her saying. Malka is only the second kosher restaurant in West Palm Beach. Housed in a former butchery,Malka boasts stunning decor,transporting diners to a culinary wonderland.Eyal Shani: Creating a Culinary Identity for israel
Israeli chef Eyal Shani has become a global culinary ambassador,credited with shaping modern Israeli cuisine. His restaurant Malka, with locations in Tel Aviv and West Palm Beach, exemplifies his dedication to showcasing Israeli flavors and traditions. From the marble, metal, and concrete elements sourced directly from Israel to the courtyard filled with olive trees and Mediterranean foliage, Malka exudes an authentic Israeli ambience. the restaurant even features custom artwork by Israeli artist Michal Rovner, further reinforcing Shani’s commitment to celebrating his homeland’s culture.
From Home Cook to Culinary Ambassador
despite starting his culinary journey with no formal training,only occasionally preparing recipes from Julia Child’s cookbooks,Shani soon found his passion for cooking. His drive led him to open his first restaurant in Jerusalem in 1989 after impressing his girlfriend with his rendition of Child’s classic bouillabaisse. Shani believes that “It’s much better to be,really,a man or woman with no knowledge at all but with passion and dedication.” Shani is passionate about establishing a distinct identity for Israeli cuisine, believing that a nation needs its own culinary tradition to truly unite. As he puts it, ”As one of the people of Israel, I understood that there is no way for a nation, for a people, to be united under a state without their own cuisine.It’s like if you are getting married and…”The Power of Food: Connecting Cultures Through Cuisine
Chef Shani believes deeply in the unifying power of Israeli cuisine.He sees his restaurants as more than just places to dine; they are cultural bridges connecting people through shared culinary experiences. This belief has been tested recently by the global tension surrounding the conflict in Gaza. Shani noticed a meaningful shift in his restaurant’s atmosphere following the October 7th attacks. The bustling crowds,a hallmark of Passover celebrations in previous years,were noticeably smaller in 2024.“Even now we are feeling it. there are so many demonstrations against us,”
shared Shani, reflecting on the immediate aftermath of the attacks. He explained that even individuals unfamiliar with his restaurants began leaving negative reviews online. Some even called to shout “Free Palestine” before ending the calls. Despite these challenges, Shani remains optimistic. He firmly believes in the ability of Israeli food to transcend political divides and foster understanding.“I was so proud of that little place in the world that is making the most beautiful food in the world,” he said. “Through the food, the world will connect to us again. That is my belief.”
