Alon Shaya
Alon Shaya, born in Israel and raised in Philadelphia, discovered his love for food cooking alongside his mother and grandmother. A Culinary Institute of America graduate, he began his career in Las Vegas before cooking in St. Louis, Italy, and settling in New Orleans in 2001. Honored with five James Beard nominations, winning “Best Chef, South” (2015) and “Best New Restaurant” (2016).
Alon celebrates his passion through Pomegranate Hospitality, founded in 2017 with his wife Emily, opening Saba (New Orleans) and Safta (Denver). In 2021, they launched Miss River at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, a love letter to Louisiana. Alon expanded with Silan in Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas and Safta 1964 at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas. His debut cookbook Shaya (2018) and philanthropy reflect his dedication to community, culinary education, and cultural diversity.
Related Event
Alon Shaya's “love letter to Louisiana,” Miss River is based on his vast experience of the local culture and cuisine in his nearly 20 years as a resident. For this special 90/90 event, Chef Shaya celebrates Jacques Pépin's 90th birthday with an exquisite five-course dinner featuring specialty dishes like Fromage Forte on Melba Toast, Crab Gratin, Filet and Short Rib en Crépinette, Parisian Gnocchi, Crêpe Suzette with Creole cream cheese ice cream and more.