Eyal Shani and Noa Tishby Host Shabbat Dinner with Gal Gadot in LA
Renowned chef Eyal Shani and activist Noa Tishby hosted an intimate Shabbat dinner in Los Angeles. The gathering featured actress Gal Gadot and was dedicated to the memory of Tishby's mother.
Renowned Israeli chef Eyal Shani recently arrived in Los Angeles to expand his culinary footprint with the opening of a new branch of his restaurant, Malka. During his visit, his longtime friend, actress and activist Noa Tishby, reached out to suggest hosting an intimate Shabbat dinner for close friends at her private residence.
The chef accepted the invitation immediately but declined to provide a structured grocery list or detailed prep instructions. Instead, he gave Tishby a simple guideline:
"Bring wonderful vegetables, fish, and meat, and we will make magic together."
Fresh Ingredients from the Farmers Market
By 7:00 AM, Tishby was already scouting local farmers markets in Los Angeles to source premium tomatoes and fresh produce tailored to Shani's signature style. Shani arrived at her kitchen with his team members, Lowell and Mika, and began preparing dishes that featured roasted vegetables, pasta, fresh fish, traditional challah, and various dips.
In footage shared by Tishby, guests are seen gathering around the kitchen island, including actress Gal Gadot, who took an active part in tasting and prep work. The guests welcomed Shabbat with traditional candle lighting and blessings, and the dishes were served directly on the central work surfaces, a signature element of Shani's rustic presentation.
A Personal Tribute to Yael Tishby
Beyond the social gathering, Tishby chose to dedicate the dinner to her late mother, Yael, who previously served as the director of the food division at the Israel Export Institute and was widely referred to in the industry as the "food empress."
Tishby spoke about her mother's deep connection to fresh ingredients and local markets, noting that Shani's unique dialogue with fresh produce strongly reminded her of her mother's philosophy.
This spontaneous gathering in Los Angeles highlights the close-knit community of Israeli creators operating in the United States. As Shani continues to expand his culinary businesses across North America, the dinner provided a glimpse into shared creativity, family memory, and an open, barrier-free hosting culture.
