Adobo-Coffee Crusted Tuna Steak
This main course, originally crafted as part of a 3-course Shavuot menu, but perfectly delicious all year round, reflects the bitter-sweet nature of Shavuot itself. Though we received the Torah on this day, we also lost the first tablets in the aftermath of the golden calf debacle. Unlike Simchat Torah, when we dance with joy, on Shavuot night we stay awake, immersed in study—grappling with the gift we were given and lost.
Savoury Cheesecake with Confit tomatoes
we’ve decided to shake up the cheesecake tradition. Inspired by the growing trend of beginning the Shavuot meal with cheesecake—before moving on to a meaty feast—we’ve created a savoury cheesecake starter as the showstopping opener to this year’s three-course menu.
Tahini Martini
A widely held custom of Simchat Torah is to imbibe alcoholic beverages, not to the excesses of Purim, but enough to bring extra joviality and Simcha to this day of celebration. Our menu is completed with a final tribute to Israeli food culture by way of a cocktail.
Limonana Cheesecake
Lemon and mint drinks are refreshing, delicious and have been consumed across the Middle East for centuries. However, you might be surprised to know that the Limonana we know and love today, often referred to as the national drink of Israel and served everywhere from street corners to supermarkets, only gained real popularity in the country during the 1990s, and was originally part of an advertising prank!
Pistachio, Zaatar and Pomegranate Crusted Salmon with Seven Species Salad
The Seven Species of Israel, or Shiv’at HaMinim, form the heart of our meal. These are the seven special species of the Holy Land specifically named in Torah, whose first fruits could be brought to the Temple in Jerusalem as offerings. They are: wheat, barley, grape, fig, pomegranates, olive (oil), and date (date honey).
Pizza Boureka Twists with ‘Sabra’ Sauce
There is something quintessentially Israeli about the taste of olives. One of the Seven Species of Israel mentioned in Torah, olive branches also adorn the emblem of the modern State of Israel, a symbol of peace, holiness and beauty. From gourmet marinated olives piled high in the Shuk, to sliced olives in tins, these delectable, salty little fruits are such a staple of the Israeli diet that they are even considered a default Israeli topping for pizzas.
