Via Zoom
Join Federation director Dara Kaufman in conversation with Boston based Israeli chef Avi Shemtov, owner of A La Esh, the Chubby Chickpea, Simcha, and Hummus v'Hummus, as they explore the nitty gritty of great hummus and its many glorious and versatile options in honor of Yom Ha'atzmaut. Purist and creative foodies alike will enjoy the tips and tastes of this deep dive into all things Hummus.
Israeli American chef Avi Shemtov opened The Chubby Chickpea as a quick-serve Israeli street food concept in 2010 in the Boston suburbs. Credited with being part of the movement to popularize Israeli cuisine globally, Shemtov launched The Chubby Chickpea Food Truck less than two years later to critical acclaim. The Chubby Chickpea continues to operate multiple food trucks and catering outlets in the Boston area. In 2017, Shemtov formed The Shemtov Group, the umbrella under which, in addition to The Chubby Chickpea, he would open TAPPED Beer Truck (2017), Simcha (2019), Arabe Food Truck (2020), and a La Esh (2020).
Shemtov has appeared on multiple radio and television outlets, most notably PBS’ “Simply Ming” with chef Ming Tsai and “Henry in the Hub” on WGBH radio. In 2020, Shemtov and his team were invited to cook at the famed James Beard House. He released “The Single Guy Cookbook,” which Amazon called “Cookbook of the Month” in August 2015, and is set to release “Simcha” in July 2021. His podcast, “Heat in the Kitchen,” with his college friend Corey O’Leary can be found anywhere podcasts can be heard. In addition to his restaurant and business ventures, Shemtov sits on the board of Red, White, and Blue Coats in his hometown runs a school lunch program to combat food insecurity, and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs.