MasterChef Yossi Shitrit Opens New Skewer Restaurant, "Ofrit"

Renowned Israeli chef Yossi Shitrit, a "MasterChef" winner, has opened his third restaurant, "Ofrit," a chef-driven skewer house located in central Tel Aviv. Despite a policy of waiting for new establishments to mature, the culinary team felt compelled to review Shitrit's venture immediately due to his esteemed reputation. The restaurant, which translates to "devil" or "mischievous child" in Moroccan, explores more accessible, popular cuisine, a departure from Shitrit's usual high-end establishments like "Hiba" and "Bandit."

Shitrit's research for "Ofrit" included extensive travel in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian regions, alongside his signature Moroccan influences. The restaurant's design features long glass refrigerators filled with meats, fish, and vegetables for grilling, centered around a large grill, reminiscent of Istanbul's famous skewer houses. A powerful ventilation system ensures a pleasant dining atmosphere free of smoke.

The menu, with a primary focus on Turkish and Middle Eastern flavors, begins with a unique Persian laffa bread baked live on hot stones, brushed with seasoned beef fat. The "table opening" starter includes ten small dishes like fried zucchini, caramelized onions, pomegranate olives, spicy tomato salad, and a smooth, flavorful hummus. While creative and colorful, this selection notably omits traditional skewer house accompaniments like eggplant or mayonnaise-based salads, reflecting the restaurant's specific regional inspirations.

Standout dishes include "Chi Kofta," a bulgur and pomegranate mixture served in lettuce leaves, and large, crispy falafel. The "Lebabash" skewer, featuring spiced kebab meat layered with thin lavash bread, is highlighted as a must-try, offering a novel experience compared to the now-saturated "ara'yes" trend. Another notable dish is the stuffed spleen, a complex Moroccan delicacy prepared with exceptional skill.

Other meat skewers sampled were "Dana Jiar," tender veal liver with melting lamb fat, and "Shish Kebab," a blend of lamb, beef, and onion praised for its juiciness. For dessert, Shitrit offers a new take on Bavarian cream, replacing traditional chocolate and peanuts with a rich dried fruit compote, cinnamon, and lemon, providing a refreshing end to the meal. Despite minor service and pacing issues common in new openings, "Ofrit" is considered a significant and welcome addition to Tel Aviv's culinary scene.