DVASH
8208 Glades Road, Boca Raton 561/558-9199 dvashboca.com Serving authentic Mediterranean fusion cuisine to a loyal following continues to spell sweet success for self-taught chef Ilan Cohen, who ran the landmark Falafel Bistro & Wine Bar in Parkland for more than a decade before closing its doors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, plans for a sister restaurant were already in the works and, last fall, the Cohens opened DVASH (“honey” in Hebrew), showcasing a modern twist on classic Mediterranean cuisine. Like its predecessor, DVASH serves a mix of authentic, made-to-order Mediterranean favorites in a setting that Cohen designed to feel like you’re in his home. Top-selling menu items include skewered lamb kabob with a wine reduction, pine nuts and roasted garlic mash; vegan tofu scramble with spinach, mushrooms, red bell pepper, onions and herbs; and Middle Eastern-style risotto with lentil, mushrooms, onions and quinoa. “I love cooking mostly vegan with flavorful, fresh herbs, even though we have amazing traditional options for meat eaters as well,” says Cohen, who ran a successful restaurant in his native Jerusalem before coming to the U.S. in 2006.
Cohen is joined by his wife, Lauren, of 30 years, who oversees all of the house-made desserts. “She’s very passionate about baking, which comes through everything on our menu. Her pumpkin bread pudding? The taste is insane. “For me, it’s fun creating and serving the delicious Mediterranean dishes that I grew up with and learned to make from my grandmother. Not many people in this world love what they are doing, but we’re having fun doing what we love.”
SIGNATURE DISH: Grilled Lamb Chops
Lamb chops served with roasted garlic mash, grilled asparagus and mint pistachio; Marscarpone pancake with sweet mascarpone and berries with rose petal compote
SURE THING: Roasted Eggplant Carpaccio
Eggplant carpaccio served with raw tahina, roasted chestnuts, crushed tomato and cilantro on Jerusalem sesame bagel
LIVING ON THE EDGE: Jerusalem Tofu Burger Tofu burger served on ciabatta with hummus, herb tahini and sautéed onions with sliced potato fries
AARON BRISTOL
Rustic turmeric cauliflower from DVASH
Healthy food feature MA23.indd 47
2/3/23 10:01 AM