PARK Magazine

tentacles, resulting in uniquely satisfying
dishes. With both, the line between food and
art is blurred. Chef Eyal Shani’s open kitchen
commands guests’ attention with its vivid
colors and artful arrangement, transforming
into a flavorful tableau through meticulous yet
outside-the-box cooking.
In the kitchen, Shani frequently instructs his
chefs, “You’re working from intuition, from
starving, under a big risk, you’re not trying to be
safe, you’re on a journey,” and that’s exactly
what the friendly servers might say to preface
what’s in store for diners once they peruse the
menu. Between the Dinosaur, a fire-roasted,
tender chunk of beef on the bone, the Ocean
Treasure, filled with uni, Japanese yellowtail,
Osetra caviar and seaweed and Night Roasted
Lamb made for “2-5 humans”, the guests are
rarely prepared for the rollercoaster ride
designed as much for their adventurous
tastebuds as for their inquisitive mind.
As the night unfolds, this experimental
odyssey of gastronomy segues into a highspirited
party, during which time guests are
expected to indulge in more flavorful fare – and
fun. During the 9 pm seating, you can let loose
and have a dance-off on tabletops to catchy
Israeli pop tunes in celebration of all of life’s
joys and of course, tastes! While HaSalon
currently offers two seatings on Thursday,
Friday and Saturday nights, you can stop by
bar LEFT, the bar/lounge located just outside of
the dining room doors, for small plates and
drinks.
Long gone are the days when a restaurant
can leave its mark on the competitive New York
City fine dining scene simply with delectable
food alone. The name of the game in 2022
requires relentless creativity, authenticity, and
genuine connection; or better yet, in the words
written on a private dinner invitation from
none other than Chef Eyal Shani himself: a
restaurant should be a place where you can
“imagine that all my life I dreamed about you,
giving you my heart’s most intimate food
secrets.”
Your delicious dreams are about to come
true at HaSalon – let’s go – or as Israelis would
say, Yalla! P
hasalonnyc.com