Chef Michael Solomonov, known for his groundbreaking modern Israeli cooking at Zahav, opened Dizengoff to give Philly natives a taste of what Israeli street food is really like. That means puffy, piping-hot pita bread fresh from the oven with bowls of dizzyingly good, thick and creamy hummus, which is topped with olive oil, cumin, paprika and parsley, and served with sides of seasonal salads and Israeli pickles. Solomonov also offers hummus topped with wood-fired mushrooms, slow-roasted tomatoes and grilled zucchini, depending on the season. The shop is directly across from his Federal Donuts, where a team of bakers is freshly frying, powdering, glazing and sugaring delicious yeast doughnuts. So while dessert is not on the menu, it’s close at hand.
Husband-and-wife team Chef Einat Admony and Stefan Nafziger own several Israeli restaurants in New York City, including Balaboosta and Bar Bolonat. Longing for the street foods of Tel Aviv, in 2005 they started their mini-empire with Taim — which means “tasty” in Hebrew — an ode to the hummus and falafel sandwiches of Admony’s native land. Her hummus is just like the kind you’ll find in Israel — pureed from chickpeas, tahini and olive oil, and brightened with lemon and garlic. It’s rich and delicious, and it makes perfect lunch with the accompanying hot pita dusted with za’atar.
Shaya, a newcomer on the New Orleans restaurant scene, is Chef Alon Shaya’s tribute to the cooking of his Israeli homeland. His wood-fired oven is central to both the menu and the dining experience, starting with the incredible homemade, wood-fired pita, ideally used to scoop up his incredible hummus. Shaya absolutely loves hummus, and he gives it an entire section on his menu, which includes five different types: Tahini with extra virgin olive oil and Aleppo pepper; Curried Fried Cauliflower with caramelized onions and cilantro; Lamb Ragú with crispy chickpeas; Soft Cooked Egg with red onion, pickles and harissa; and Butternut Squash with black garlic butter and pecans. The menu beyond hummus is quite impressive as well — including Persian rice, shakshuka and kibbeh — but you could be happy with hummus alone.
from FN Dish – Food Network Blog http://ift.tt/1NBz26N
3 of a Kind: Hummus