Come explore the world of Israeli and Middle Eastern spices, begin with wine and light hors d’oeuvres to awaken your palate, enjoy an authentically prepared kosher family-style tasting menu, sample vibrant spices on popcorn, craft your own shawarma spice mix to take home, and finish with a selection of desserts and coffee — a flavorful, hands-on culinary experience to savor!
Chef Yaniv Cohen is the owner of Jaffa, a celebrated Israeli restaurant in Miami. His family made Aliyah from Iraq and Tunisia, bringing with them only spices, herbs, and an infectious joy for life.
Growing up among Jews from around the world, Yaniv developed a deep appreciation for global culinary traditions and the power of food to connect cultures.
What to Expect!
Spice Tasting Experience
Begin with a playful tasting of spiced popcorn to awaken your palate and learn how to identify flavor profiles and health benefits of herbs and spices used in Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Live Cooking Demonstration
Chef Cohen will prepare two signature dishes live:
Deconstructed Baba Ghanoush: A modern, vibrant take on the classic, featuring flame kissed eggplant, tahini, and bold Israeli spices presented as stuffed eggplant instead of a traditional dip.
Herbed Zucchini Salad: A refreshing medley of thin sliced zucchini tossed with fresh herbs, citrus, and a fragrant spice blend that highlights Israel’s bright, garden driven flavors.
Each dish will be served to taste family style, accompanied by stories and tips on cooking with spices for the whole family.
Hands-On Spice Blending
Participants will create their own shawarma spice mix to take home—blending tradition, aroma, and personal touch.
Cookbook Signing
Chef Cohen will be signing copies of his cookbook, My Spiced Kitchen, available for pre-purchase or at the event for $15. This beautifully crafted book will guide you through your own spice journey at home.
Tickets Required
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE: https://jewishfedny.ticketspice.com/spice-detective
or call (518) 783-7800 ext. 234.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
You will have the opportunity to privately make a gift to support your Jewish community.
Catered by 518Kosher & supervised by the Vaad Hakashruth of the Capital District
Thank you to our Steering Committee:
- Jean Becker
- Paula Metzner
- Gilah Moses
- Reeva Nowitz
- BJ Rosenfeld
- Nancy Siegel
- Margo Singer
- Bettina Stoller
- Susan Ungerman
- Dona Wildove
- Lianne Pinchuk Wladis
Sponsor: Jewish Federation of NENY & Women's Philanthropy