HaSalon

HaSalon Restaurant Review:

Chef Eyal Shani is well-known for his flair and each of his restaurants offers a high-energy atmosphere. HaSalon's dining room allows a view of the open kitchen and provides an interactive setting; as cooks prepare the food they groove to the rhythm of the blaring music. The seasonal menu reflects optimal picks from Shani’s private organic farm, as well as the products of local fishermen and butchers. Although ingredients are of good quality, dishes may be poorly executed and distinct flavors offset by minor errors. For example, the spiced, roasted pumpkin that sits in a broth of sweet onion and lamb jus is one of the finest items available, with a dynamic balance of sweet and spicy; however, after lingering in the broth for too long the pumpkin spice overwhelms the lamb jus and the taste becomes muddled. Alternatively, homemade tagliatelle with black tomatoes is a humble dish with a light and refreshing tomato sauce that reflects Shani’s understanding of Italian cuisine. Shani buys his meats from the best purveyors in the country. In this spirit, consider the seared entrecôte with a tahini sauce and tomato salsa. While HaSalon is a lively scene filled with the joy of the city, ultimately it’s more of a place for the free-spirited and not the serious diner.