In advance of our gourmet event with The Niwaki scheduled for Wednesday 15th March 2023, Club Vivanova recently had the chance to sit down with Corporate Chef Shahar Dahan and find a little more out about this busy and successful professional, now managing three excellent kitchens in the Principality of Monaco including The Niwaki, SASS Café and MoNa Restaurant.
Read more about The Niwaki
Book tickets for our Club Vivanova event with Shahar on Wednesday 15th March 2023
”The Corporate Chef Shahar hails from Israel, but it is in the United States of America that he developed his savoir-faire. In 1999, his career takes a start within the top international restaurants and makes him discover the world of contemporary new-styled Japanese cuisine. A few years later, his career led him to the most exclusive dining places in Monaco. ” I had never eaten sushi in my life ” he said once. We can now relate that this time is over. Chef Shahar, remaining true to the quintessence of the Japanese cuisine, will sublimate your culinary experience at THE NIWAKI, ultimate Japanese destination in Monte-Carlo.”
Where were you born and at what age did you start in the food and beverage industry? How were you first attracted to the food and beverage industry?
I was born in Israel and moved to New York City when I was around 30. I fell in love with a woman who was into food. It inspired me so I started watching food channels and cooking by myself before enrolling in the French culinary institute in Broadway, New York.
What are the most important aspects to running an efficient kitchen?
To have a good staff on which I can rely on.
How has COVID affected the restaurant industry?
I believe COVID has strongly affected the restaurant industry in its quintessence which is to be immersed by an experience from the moment you walk in the restaurant, until the time you leave. However, I reckon COVID crisis has developed another type of service which was not that common in the South of France until then: delivery and take away. Fortunately, after the crisis, when everything went back to normal, people started enjoying good food in beautiful restaurant settings again.
What’s your next planned opening?
We have several projects in mind, however we keep it secret for now (laughs)
Where is your favourite country for a food experience?
Japan and Italy are my favourite countries for food experience as their cuisine is very rich and offers a wide variety of dishes and techniques.
Your favourite dish to cook at home?
I grew up in a Moroccan house, so my all-time favourite dish is couscous which is a traditional dish in Morroco.
What advice would you give to a young person interested in a career in the kitchen?
"Love what you do, be precise and don’t turn right or left on the way to achieving your dream - go straight there. Even if it’s difficult, work for it, don’t complain and don’t cry because in the end you will make it".
Your favourite food and beverage pairing?
Hamburger and beer is a must! (laughs)
A favourite quotation / saying that helps you survive this crazy world?
When you have goals in life, you then have something to reach everyday.
Read more about The Niwaki
Book tickets for our Club Vivanova event with Shahar on Wednesday 15th March 2023
