Iconic Ashkenazi Restaurant Kiton Celebrates 80 Years with New English Cookbook

Kiton, the legendary Ashkenazi restaurant in Tel Aviv, is celebrating its 80th anniversary with the release of a new English edition of its cookbook, "Kiton - Food, Culture and City, Since 1945." The book, co-authored by Orna Raskin and her daughter Gal, chronicles the restaurant's rich history and features treasured Ashkenazi recipes such as gefilte fish, kreplach, cholent, and kishke. It also includes handwritten notes and artwork from famous patrons like Arthur Rubinstein, Isaac Stern, Shoshana Damari, and Menashe Kadishman.

Founded in 1945 by Zvi and Sarah Rosenberg, Kiton began as a small kiosk called Cafe Penichal before being renamed by artist Alexander Penn. The restaurant became a haven for Holocaust survivors and immigrants seeking food and work. Orna Raskin, granddaughter of the founders, returned to manage Kiton after her mother’s death in 1999 and continues the family legacy despite initially pursuing a career in intensive care nursing.

Raskin emphasizes the strong lineage of independent women in her family and her evolving connection to Jewish identity through the restaurant. She also highlights the multicultural staff, including Najim from the West Bank and Eritrean chef Pisa Gabremah, who have mastered the Ashkenazi cuisine. Despite challenges, Raskin remains committed to preserving Kiton as both a culinary institution and cultural museum, complete with art donated by patrons and a wall of dedications.

Looking ahead, Raskin is developing an app to support food establishments like Kiton and is actively engaging with the Tel Aviv municipality to promote such heritage sites. She acknowledges the changing clientele and the rise of delivery services but remains dedicated to the restaurant’s mission of connecting people through food.

Summary: Kiton, a historic Ashkenazi restaurant in Tel Aviv founded in 1945, celebrates 80 years with a new English cookbook documenting its culinary and cultural legacy. Orna Raskin, the current manager and granddaughter of the founders, preserves the family tradition while adapting to modern challenges and promoting Jewish culinary heritage.

Points: - Kiton marks 80 years with an English edition of its cookbook featuring Ashkenazi recipes and famous patrons. - Founded in 1945 by Zvi and Sarah Rosenberg, Kiton served Holocaust survivors and immigrants. - Orna Raskin returned to manage the restaurant in 1999, continuing a family legacy of strong women. - The restaurant employs diverse staff who have mastered traditional Ashkenazi cuisine. - Kiton functions as a cultural museum with donated artworks and a wall of dedications. - Raskin is developing an app and collaborating with the city to support heritage food establishments.

Topic: culture

Entities: {"people":["Orna Raskin","Gal Raskin","Zvi Rosenberg","Sarah Rosenberg","Alexander Penn","Menashe Kadishman","Arthur Rubinstein","Isaac Stern","Shoshana Damari","Najim","Pisa Gabremah"],"organizations":["Kiton","Tel Aviv Municipality"],"places":["Tel Aviv","Dizengoff 145","West Bank","Eritrea","New York"]}