My journey of cooking started at a very young age as my mother’s son, in the family kitchen, with big curious eyes drawn to the magic and alchemy of her creations in the kitchen…
As I grew older and entered the world of professional cooking, my desire was reshaped. It was born into the depth and richness of the Middle Eastern and North African Cuisine at large… Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian, Moorish… Traditions covered in mist of myth and centuries of recipes that go down the line… but also intrigued by the simplicity of the Spanish and Basque cuisines.
My creativity is being expressed between those two points of fascination: The Middle Eastern and North African depth and richness, that is mainly based on slow cooking, spices and time… to that winning simplicity that comes with 2-3 items, lemon juice and olive oil, that the Spanish-Basque cuisine performs so well.
In between those two, I dwell. Giving respect to traditions, but letting passion be in the driving seat for the exploration of the yet unknown and new…
A fusion of Tradition and Innovation.
Beginning my career in the cutthroat kitchens of Tel Aviv, Israel, I learnt how to think outside the box and use unorthodox methods to keep ahead of the game - so that I can play.
Creativity and Innovation is my fuel. It inspires me to keep experimenting, keep evolving, to keep growing as a Chef and as a human.
One of my favourite guilty pleasures is watching others eat the food I make. Observing the initial reactions of my customers and seeing when I hit a home run is deeply fulfilling.
Interacting with my clients and feeling the love when I walk the streets creates the main reason why I love what I do. Human connection, friendship and community with endless opportunities to touch people through their bellies, creating lasting memories.
After moving to Australia in 2005, I worked in restaurants such as The Sandcastle Organics, Winos of Margaret River and Canvas at the Fremantle Arts Centre (where my shakshuka was voted in the top 26 Breakfasts in Australia - Gourmet Traveller) as I adjusted to the unique Aussie way of life…
In 2013 I decided to take the plunge and start creating my own way. What began as a mash up of different dreams saw me working as a cooking teacher, caterer, culinary concept consultant and running regular food market stalls where I was voted ‘Best Parmi in Perth’ - WA Today.
It wasn’t long before the demand gave me a direction I couldn’t refuse and I opened my own restaurant, Kazoomies - Feel Good Food, in Fremantle in 2015 as my Catering continued to grow. It definitely was a roller coaster of the unexpected. Firstly the inevitable shock of how difficult it is to run a restaurant, to how fulfilling it is to be able to tell my story and the story of others through food. The surprise of being voted the Best Breakfast in Perth and reaching the number 1 spot on Trip Advisor (3 years running) followed by the surreal achievement of winning the Excellence in Hospitality (2018) and Most Popular Café (2019) at the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. With all the blood, sweat and tears between. What a ride!
I did not anticipate the popularity and demand the restaurant and catering would gather and I ended up having to close the restaurant in 2019 after hitting a point of exhaustion with no return, I simply could not keep up. I now devote my time to catering and mentoring through the World Music Café initiative which supports refugees and international students with integrating into life in hospitality and in Australia. I am also enjoying the process of writing my first recipe book - so keep an eye out for it.
As the business continues to grow and evolve I am so thankful for those that have supported, guided, trusted in and worked beside me. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to live my dream and create a home here in Australia, and for the chance to spread the ripples of my heart and knowledge with the essence of tradition and innovation. Yes I really do talk and think like that 😉
RESTAURANT
In Memoriam
2015 - 2019
N# 1 on Trip Advisor (Greater Perth) from September 2016 - April 2019
— Winner —
Excellence in Hospitality
Fremantle CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business Awards 2018
People’s Choice Award
‘Best Cafe in Fremantle’
Fremantle CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business Awards 2019
Best Breakfast in Perth
Urban List 2016 and 2017
Zaldeesh lamb shakshuka
Top 26 Breakfasts in Australia
Gourmet Traveller Magazine
Red shakshuka
Best Parmi in Perth
WA Today
Where Tradition Meets Innovation…
At Kazoomies we served food inspired by the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, mothers, grandmothers, imagination and innovation.
Bringing flair to home style and traditional cuisine.
