In Search Of Israeli Cuisine

In Search Of Israeli Cuisine is a compelling documentary presented by the award-winning restaurateur and chef, Mike Solomonov, who is best known for his power to turn extraordinarily humble Middle-Eastern ingredients into a distinctive flavor sensation in his U.S.-based restaurant. A tantalizing journey in each sense of the word, this movie dwells deep into the gastronomical delight that is Israeli cuisine. It is released in 2016, directed by Roger Sherman, and produced by Florentine Films/Sherman Pictures.

The journey of In Search Of Israeli Cuisine does not confine itself merely to food appreciation or cooking. It goes way beyond that, becoming a manifesto of Israel's rich social and cultural heritage amalgamating in the melting pot of its food tradition. The movie swirls around the exploration of the 70+ cultures that have contributed to shaping the landscape of Israeli Cuisine over centuries, thereby tickling the viewer's interest with its flavorful array of immigrant traditions, ingredients, and cooking techniques.

The reason why the film stands out lies in its brilliant guide, Mike Solomonov, who himself is a James Beard Award-winning chef. Born in an Israeli and Bulgarian family, Solomonov's passion for culinary art takes him back to his roots, exploring the authentic delicacies of Israeli cuisine distinctly.

Solomonov’s charismatic and knowledgeable presence is the movie’s backbone. He takes us through the vibrant street food vendors in Tel Aviv, the high-end gourmet restaurants, world-famous wineries, cheesemakers, fish farms, desert agriculture research, under the radar home kitchens owned by persons from various cultures to tied-to-the-land traditional cuisine cooking — all spanning the diverse demographics and traditions of Israel’s people. He captures the essence of simplicity and rawness that forms the core of Israeli cuisine, unveiling the true essence of Israeli food - hearty, flavorsome and rich in tradition.

As the movie progresses, the viewers can sense the in-depth exploration of multiple influences that have molded Israeli cuisine over the years. Citizens from Iran, Poland, Morocco, Yemen, Russia, Ethiopia, and many other counties strive to keep their traditions alive through food. The film talks not only about the Jewish but also Arab, Christian, and Druze communities who share their traditional recipes, presenting the wide range of tastes Israeli cuisine offers.

While exploring Israeli culinary scenes, the audience also gets a taste of the historical, social, and political climate of Israel. The food reflects the conflicts and the blend of cultures that make up this young nation. The director subtly brings forward the 'land's life amidst conflict', presenting the duality of tradition versus innovation in the cuisine scene of this dynamic land.

Indeed, a large part of In Search Of Israeli Cuisine consists of fascinating interviews with renowned chefs, home cooks, vintners, street-food and restaurant owners across the Israeli ethnic spectrum which highlights the real essence of the country’s cuisine. However, the movie provides an equal emphasis on visual shots that will leave viewers' mouths watering. A variety of dishes like shakshuka, falafel, hummus, and salads are beautifully captured, showing the process of preparation and the passionate people behind them.

Beyond its revealing exploration of the cuisine, the movie presents breathtaking views of Israel's landscapes from the sun-drenched fields of the Negev desert farms to the animated, bustling markets of Tel Aviv and the peaceful, serene olive groves and vineyards, invoking a tangible sense of place and culture which frame the diversity of the food beautifully.

The movie is enjoying considerable success and has undoubtedly played an essential part in changing perceptions by offering a first-person perspective of the Israel that is little known to the wider world, helping to expose Israel's sophisticated, vibrant, and up-and-coming culinary scene. It's not just a 'foodie’s film' but it's a documentary of culture, people and their stories.

In Search Of Israeli Cuisine, using food as its narrative, paints a diverse and dynamic picture of Israeli culture and society through the lens of its rich gastronomic tradition, crafting a compelling viewing experience for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. It showcases and celebrates the diversity in Israeli culture with food being the universal language bringing people from all walks of life together, hence the film will linger on your palate long after the credits roll, creating a craving not just for food, but a deep, nuanced understanding of Israel's multicultural society as well.