Israeli Chef Assaf Granit Launches Innovative Gelato Shop in Paris

Israeli chef Assaf Granit is expanding his culinary ventures in Paris with the upcoming opening of his first gelato shop, "Lickok," located near his Michelin-starred restaurant. This new establishment will be Granit's fifth business in Paris, joining his existing restaurants Shabour, Tact, Shana, and Kapara (currently under renovation). Additionally, a new seafood restaurant named "Dagim" (Hebrew for "fish") will open soon in the 16th arrondissement, offering views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.

Granit describes "Lickok" as a "chef’s gelato" concept, where gelato is made in an open kitchen visible to customers, similar to a restaurant setting. The name combines "Lick" and "Cook," reflecting the creative culinary approach. The menu features unconventional flavors such as rice and noodle gelato, olive oil gelato topped with blini and caviar, and lemon tart gelato inspired by a rich babka cake. Granit and his partners from the Machneyuda group, Uri Navon, Dan Yosha, and Tomer Landsman, aim to develop "Lickok" into a global gelato chain, potentially expanding to Israel in the future.

Despite the challenges Israeli businesses face in Europe, Granit reports rapid growth in Paris, which serves as their main European hub. Their restaurant on the French Riviera is also performing well. Granit emphasizes their Israeli identity, noting that their restaurant names are in Hebrew and they openly acknowledge their heritage. Regarding Jerusalem, he observes a positive sign of tourism returning as English is increasingly heard on the streets, which is vital for the city's economy.

Looking ahead, Granit plans to open additional "Lickok" branches, possibly in London or more locations in Paris, with a clear intention to bring the concept to Israel. He states, "We definitely want to open a branch in Israel as well."