In his new cookbook memoir, Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel, New Orleans chef Alon Shaya frankly and unabashedly tells his life’s story. From a lonely childhood to the mean streets of Philadelphia where he was a feared, teenaged drug dealer, to the salvation and purpose he found in cooking, Alon tells all.  At the close of the book, Alon and his father are seen sharing a meal at his James Beard award winning restaurant, Shaya.  That was Alon’s life in the spring of 2017. In this episode of Quick Bites, Poppy and Alon talk about the book and explore his journey since being fired from his namesake restaurant last fall, by former mentor and partner, John Besh. One thing is certain, Alon has been busy! We’ll learn about his new company, Pomegranate Hospitality and the inspiration behind his two new modern Israeli restaurants, Saba and Safta.

Join Louisiana Eats as we say “Mazel Tov” to our friend, Alon Shaya!