An impressive achievement for Israeli cuisine with the publication of the list of "Fifty Best Restaurants" for the Middle East and Africa, which was published tonight (Sunday) in a particularly festive and prestigious ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
The ranking, held annually under the auspices of the main sponsor "San Pellegrino", stars no less than six Israeli restaurants.
And not just starring.
The biggest achievement was recorded by Chef Raz Rahav's OCD restaurant, which was ranked third.
It is followed by the George and John restaurant at the Drisco Hotel, also in Tel Aviv, in the ninth and most amazing place. Eitan features three other Tel Aviv restaurants: "The Basta" located in the Carmel Market, an animation by Chef Hillel Tuvkoli in 17th place, and Malgo Restaurant And Malbar in 40th place.
Raz Rahav at the moment of the exciting announcement, Photo: Yachts San Pellegrino
Another prestigious entry on the list, unlike the four non-kosher Tel Avivians, is the "Pescado" fish restaurants in Ashdod, a kosher restaurant that for those who do not know is considered a pilgrimage center for fish lovers from all over the country, and is ranked 24th on the list, without a doubt an achievement Impressive for one of the most popular restaurants in Israel.
"Emotional roller coaster"
And now, after it's official, the reactions stage has also arrived.
OCD restaurant chef Raz Rahav said excitedly: "It's crazy and not obvious.
We are very excited to receive further international recognition in the way we are paving for ourselves and to continue to put Israeli cuisine, which we research and learn every day, on the map of international cuisine.
I am happy for my friends, the other Israeli chefs who also joined our guide.
Great respect and shared joy.
The burden of proof continues to be on us, on the way to further acquaintance. "
On a personal note, it is important for me to note that with every degree, rating or award that comes, there is some moment of such joy and euphoria in the day or two after receiving the rating but the joy and daily fun in front of our guests always reminds us why we really do it.
Thank you to my staff, our partners, our friends, guests, suppliers, my wife, family, dad and mom. '
Chef Raz Rahav (OCD), Photo: Haim Yosef
Tomer Tal, chef at George and John Restaurant, who remained in the country due to Corona's constraints, said: "There are no words to describe the emotional roller coaster that was launched, from the day of the announcement of participation in the competition to the most exciting moment of the countdown in Abu Dhabi. I have come a long way from a young age, and it is a dream come true to reach this status and moment, of receiving such a high international status alongside the Israeli chefs here by my side. "
Chef Tomer Tal, Photo: Anatoly Michaelou
Like Michelin, less conservative
For those who are unfamiliar, here is a slightly more detailed explanation of how prestigious and important the presence of Israeli restaurants on this list is, especially in the high places.
The ranking reviews 50 outstanding culinary destinations from 19 countries in the region, from Morocco in the west to Iran and Oman in the east, which are awarded the prestigious ranking and greater fame than the ranking, which many claim is equivalent to Michelin, but younger and less conservative.
Last night I spoke with one of the main judges in the competition, Roi Yerushalmi, who, among other things, also explained up to this list significantly and its effects.
"For Israel, the potential participation of Israeli restaurants in the ranking - and its very existence - is a precedent for the local culinary scene and will serve as a catalyst for the process of stabilizing the culinary scene in Israel in recent years to such a world class. "To the high-tech industry, to the food industry with the export of ingredients such as tahini and wine, to the Israeli food tech (meat substitutes) and, first and foremost, to the local tourism industry."
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