There’s hummus, and there’s authentic hummus. I couldn’t find anything that reminded me of the flavor, texture and taste I missed from home. Therefore, I made it my mission to create the best hummus I can and bring it to the Chicago community. – Yosi A.
Everyone knows Jews love to eat – and we love to eat Israeli food. We are welcoming Yosi Alhadif with open arms as he opens a new store front in Chicago for “LaShuk Street Food” and feel lucky to have had the chance to interview him at the Logan Square indoor farmer’s market in advance of the grand opening!
Where are you from in Israel?
Originally from Ramat Gan, Israel.
How long have you lived here?
I have lived in Chicago for the past 3 and a half years.
What is your culinary background?
I am graduate of the French Pastry School in Chicago which is a six month long program specializing in pastry and baking. After graduation, my wife Aviva and I briefly moved to Philadelphia where I interned at Zahav, under famed Chef Michael Solomonov. Since then, I have worked for local Chicago restaurants including Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, Somerset (Boka group), and Princi.
Tell us more about the NEW store front in Politan Row?
We are so excited to open a store front this month downtown. The food hall is located on 111 North Aberdeen in West Loop – below the McDonald HQ building. We are the first stall as soon as you walk in from the main entrance.
What’s on the menu?
Hummus bar, local Israeli street food favorites (sabich, falafel, schnitzel) , homemade baklava, lemonade and freshly baked pita.
What makes LaShuk “authentic”?
The flavors, tastes, smells, spices, etc will remind anyone of the last time they walked down the streets of Machane Yehuda or Shuk Ha’Carmel.
Best advice for the amateur hummus makers out there?
Never tell me you make your hummus with canned chickpeas, go for the real deal or go home.
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