Today we’d like to introduce you to Yaniv Cohen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Yaniv. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Food is a huge passion of mine. My love of food began at an early age. As the oldest of five boys, I was in charge of helping my mother cook and set the table. Growing up in a Sephardic Jewish family with North African and Middle Eastern roots, food was and still is an important part of our culture. It is a way of life. Every Shabbat and holiday had its unique set of incredible dishes. There was not a single dish that our family and friends served that was not beautifully seasoned. I was always fascinated with the colors, scents, origins, and properties of those spices.
My passion for food and hospitality propelled me to relocate to NYC and then Miami to open a branch of Shiraz Creative, an innovative Catering, Design and Production company. As the VP and culinary director, I head our Catering team. I am blessed to have this amazing outlet where I explore daily the possibilities of food and presentation to its fullest potential.
As I continued to delve further into the world of the culinary herbs and spices and develop my knowledge, I became fascinated with the health properties of food, herbs and spices. It is a known fact that throughout history, many cultures around the world have used herbs, plants, and spices to treat different health conditions. My goal as “The Spice Detective” is to introduce you to the incredible world of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, spices and herbs: their flavors, aromas, properties and health benefits, and by doing so to help you incorporate those flavors into everyday dishes that will delight all your senses.
In 2018, The Spice Detective collaborated with St. Roch Market, to open JAFFA, an outlet for his Mediterranean cuisine within the Miami Design District’s newest food hall. Bringing his native cuisine to a new home, spice centric cuisine will delight Miami locals as well as visitors. Some highlights include a hummus bar, turmeric roasted cauliflower, deconstructed baba ghanoush, and assorted grilled meats and vegetables. Yaniv is also the author of “ MY Spiced Kitchen,” a cookbook and spice guide which become the number one new release middle eastern cookbook on Amazon.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think any road is smooth while pursuing your dreams, I was lucky to have my passion guide me and light my way. Dedication and believing in yourself and creativity is key to creating your own road in life.
We’d love to hear more about The Spice Detective.
As the spice detective, I offer private cooking and spice classes for families, friends and clubs in their homes or community centers. As far as my Jaffa goes, it is an Israeli-Influenced Cuisine. The smells of the Mediterranean sea flavored with black coffee and spices from the markets, Levantine culture combined with European, ancient mixed with new – a city where Jews, Muslims and Christians live side by side, share their stories, music, food and art, this is Jaffa. One of the oldest port cities in the world whose history dates back to the great flood.
Today’s Jaffa is a vibrant city that never ceases to surprise and innovates. Picturesque alleys, art galleries, unique boutiques, ancient buildings, wonderful landmarks and an abundant of authentic middle-eastern restaurants. This is the city that inspired our flavors, aromas and our sounds. This is Jaffa Miami.”
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother, my grandmothers and my Aunts who showed me how to be magical in the kitchen. Shai Tertner, my brother from another mother whose been walking with me on my path for over 20 years and always supported my dreams and creativity.
Renee Sayegh and Caren Glassman for pushing me to take my passion globely. Valerie Lopez and Camilo Rojas for their love and creative input every step of the way. Sonja Garnitscnig – whose photography helped me to show the world the beauty of my food and spices. Salar Abduaziz and Egidio Guerreri my Jaffa partners for their ever lasting support and of course, last but not least Rachel, my daughter whose been inspiring me every day to be the best man I can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheSpiceDetective.com
- Email: yaniv@thespicedetective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespicedetective/
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