In Search of Israeli Cuisine

Filmmaker Roger Sherman’s foodie documentary sends a knowledgeable host—restaurateur Michael Solomonov—to restaurants up and down Israel to talk with chefs, sample scores of dishes, and occasionally wax reflective about the cultural and historical importance of food derived from various traditions. “Israeli cuisine” turns out to be a touchy subject, with Solomonov proceeding on the premise that what one finds on Israeli menus is a hodgepodge of cuisines from many cultures all over the world. This melting-pot notion that Israeli cooking is actually a fusion or outright appropriation of other people’s food is not always a welcome topic, given Israel’s combative relationship with Palestinians and others in the Arab and African worlds. Sherman doesn’t dive deeply into this area, but he at least touches upon it. But with that said, it’s still great fun to see what comes out of the oven or stove pots here as Solomonov travels the country on his singular mission. Extras include deleted scenes. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)