Chef Rafi Cohen Revitalizes Jerusalem Area Restaurants
Renowned Israeli chef Rafi Cohen, celebrated for his legendary former Tel Aviv restaurant "Rafael," has taken the culinary reins at two establishments in Kiryat Anavim, near Jerusalem. The restaurants, "HaKerem" and "Nura," are part of the "Hirim" group, which partnered with Cohen after admiring his cooking for years. Cohen is now actively involved in overseeing the menus and kitchen operations, infusing his signature style into dishes that blend elegant classics with his personal, flavorful touch.
The menu features a range of dishes, including a pakus salad with white almonds, a peach and cherry gazpacho, and grilled lamb and veal kebabs. More traditional options like local entrecôte and bone-in beef ribs are also available. A standout dish is Cohen's iconic stuffed zucchini with lamb and rice, adapted for a kosher version. The restaurants offer a pastoral setting with large windows overlooking greenery, creating an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Cohen, who lives nearby, is physically present at the restaurants, tasting, plating, and interacting with diners. The dessert menu also receives high praise, with offerings like a baked chocolate and almond mousse and a semolina basbousa with rose syrup and malabi cream, noted for their exceptional quality in the kosher dining scene.
The "Hirim" group, which also operates "Hirim," a popular bakery and patisserie in Kiryat Anavim known for its pastries and brioche sandwiches, sought out Cohen to elevate their restaurant ventures. The partnership aims to leverage Cohen's acclaimed culinary expertise to enhance the dining experience at both "HaKerem" and "Nura."
