We were able to interview Chef Meny Vaknin, who is the owner and executive chef of MishMish Cafe. Inspired by his Israeli and Jewish-Morroccan roots, Chef Meny opened MishMish Cafe in December 2014, a restaurant where he marries the French techniques and expertise he learned in culinary school, with the flavors, ingredients, and memories of his childhood. In June 2015, Meny demonstrated his culinary talents as a contestant on Food Network’s Chopped, beating his competition to earn the $10,000 prize. He recently returned to the Chopped stage to become a two-time winner in Chopped Champions.
Chef Meny Vaknin is the executive chef and owner of MishMish Cafe
FE: Tell us about your restaurant. What makes it special?
Chef Meny: Mishmish is a restaurant, cafe, and artisanal foods shop that offers healthy cuisine made with seasonal and locally sourced food and prepared with Mediterranean focus.
At Mishmish, we want you to feel at home. We believe that food is the universal language, ideally suited to conveying love and understanding. Our embrace of the Mediterranean culture will create an environment of home and hospitality where diners will feel a warm welcome. The culinary experience at Mishmish will include “home-y”food at affordable prices, expertly prepared and presented, made with the best ingredients available and brought to diners with personal and attentive service.
Old City Hummus is made with warm chick peas “masbacha” with olive oil and pita bread
FE: What is your most popular dish? Why do people love it?
Chef Meny: Old City Hummus because they love how authentic it is.
Another bestseller: Vegetarian Shakshuka made with garlic stewed tomatoes with bell pepper, feta cheese, zaatar, and two poached eggs
MishMish Cafe is located at 215 Glenridge Ave Montclair, NJ 07042
[mappress mapid=”220″]Nearby Landmarks: Montclair Book Center, The Tutor Shack, and Blackbird Lane
Phone Number: (973) 337-5648
Dining Style: Casual
Cuisine Type: Mediterranean Cuisine
Hours of Operation: Open daily 8:15AM – 9:00PM
Dress Code: Casual
Price Range: $11 – $30
Payment Options: Accepts Credit Cards & Cash