One of Israel’s rising culinary stars comes to town on August 10-16 to lord over an Israeli food festival at the Paseo Uno of Mandarin Oriental, Manila.  Chef Zion Barnes, acclaimed by the prestigious food magazine Al Haschohan in Israel, as one of the country’s “eight outstanding chefs of the next generation” entices the palates of diners with the cuisine of Israel during the week-long gastronomic event organized jointly by Mandarin Oriental, Manila and the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines.

For the Paseo Uno festival, Chef Barnes’s menu will focus more on Arabic-influenced Israeli cuisine, and will include an extensive array of fresh spreads, dips and salads that are distinctive of his country’s gastronomic offerings. Israel’s rich history is deeply reflected in its everyday menu that combines a delectable fusion of aromatic herbs and spices, fresh green vegetables, olives, lemons, cheese and hearty meat such as lamb and veal. Typical Israeli fare stems from its population’s migrations from neigbouring countries in the Middle East and Mediterranean Europe regions.

Prior to the festival, the celebrity chef will also recreate his specialties in a cooking demonstration on August 6, at 3PM at Mandarin Oriental’s Ballroom 3. The recipes he will demonstrate include Hummus and Falafel; Fish kebab, eggplant, yogurt and tahina; and Malaby (a fruit-and-cream dessert) and Halva Cookies.  Among the dishes he will prepare for the buffet lunch and dinner are: Hummus salad, with mushroom or meat, and whole chickpeas; Fatush, a salad made with vegetables, herbs and Mediterranean croutons; Majadera (Rice and Lentil stew); Shawarma, grilled lamb racks marinated in Israeli spices; Falafel (hummus loaves in various flavors with spiced potato fries and dips); Burekas (Puff pastries filled with cheese and spinach); Zenia (minced meat of lamb and veal); Oshpelau (lamb shank with rice and vegetables); Fricassee sandwiches with tuna, olives, capers, pickled lemon, bell pepper spread and eggs; Baklava (sweet phyllo pastries with nuts); and Israeli cheesecake.

For more information, please call 750-8888.

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