New Orleans' Shaya, popping up in NYC
Shaya
James Beard Award recipient Alon Shaya brought the flavors of his New Orleans restaurant, Shaya, to New York City for a two week residency in August.
Dubbed “Best New Restaurant," Shaya serves up Israeli-inspired flavors, mediterranean classics and mouth watering crowd pleasers like hummus and shakshouka.
I haven't been able to visit the original restaurant yet, but a good friend organized a night out to dine at Shaya's pop up at Seaport Food Lab, giving us a chance to check out Chef Shaya's specialties.
It. Was. Delicious.
Surprisingly, they were able to adapt the chef's planned tasting menu for my gluten intolerance. Though I wasn't able to eat the signature wood fired pita bread, I was served course after course of beautifully presented dishes like hummus tahini with Aleppo pepper, Shakshouka with farm eggs, red snapper and cardamom gelato. Starting with a small glass of champagne and ending with a decorative thimble-like glass of tea scented with lemon and mint, the meal was an excellent experience. I'd love to make it to Shaya in New Orleans sometime soon, now that I've had a taste!
Israel
I'm a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine, and I have fond memories of some fantastic meals on vacation in Tel Aviv.
A few of my favorites:
Have you been to Shaya? Or Israel?
I've never been to New Orleans, but I'd love to visit!
