Latest news with #RafaelHasid
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Hospitality Entrepreneur You Don't Know About But Should
Restaurant owner and chef Rafael Hasid As a lifestyle journalist, I like to think I'm plugged into the latest and greatest places to eat. When it comes to long-established popular restaurants- knowing them is part of my beat. How did I have no idea who chef and restaurant owner Rafael Hasid was? I've met him only recently, and he has rocked my culinary world. He may not be a name you recognize, but trust me when I say that once you discover what his spots are all about and who he is, he will be a part of your culinary journey for the years ahead. Rafael owns multiple restaurants under his brand, 6R Hospitality Group. They include Miriam in Park Slope, Brooklyn, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is as hot as ever. Then there's Miram on the Upper West Side, which has my heart, Miriam Street Food, Rafael, the 'it' spot on the Upper East Side, and the Creole eatery 1803 NYC in Tribeca. These places are always packed and always welcoming. Each features a distinctive design, the freshest food made with the best ingredients, and great cocktails, spirits, and wines. Overall, going to them makes a great time. But rather than me going on, let me introduce you to Rafael, who shares more about his story and his concepts. Whether you're a local or a visitor to New York, experiencing one or more is a must. A spread of dishes at Rafael. You began your culinary journey quite early, washing dishes at 15. How did that initial experience spark your interest in the restaurant world? I fell in love with the fast paced and high energy of the kitchen. There's something electric about the pressure of getting ready for service, and then being in that zone during the rush—it's exhilarating. I enjoyed starting my day early, prepping in a quiet kitchen with just the crew, and then ending the night together cleaning and shutting everything down. I found myself constantly improving, getting faster, and creating systems to be more efficient. On top of that, I loved hanging out with the older staff after hours. I was drawn to every part of the restaurant world. After gaining experience in Tel Aviv, you moved to New York City to attend the French Culinary Institute. Was your goal always to open your own restaurant after that? In January 2000, I lost my older brother after a 2.5-year battle with cancer. We were incredibly close. During his illness, I put my life on hold to be there for him, both mentally and physically. Before he passed, we had many conversations about my future, and he encouraged me to chase my dreams. A few months later, I used the money he left me to travel and figure out my next steps. I first explored hotel management in Switzerland, but quickly realized wearing a suit and tie every day wasn't for me. I then came to New York and visited several culinary schools. I liked the CIA in Poughkeepsie, but as a foreigner, I felt it might be too isolating. Eventually, I found the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, loved the program, and enrolled. At that time, I had no plans to open a restaurant. I simply wanted to become a professional cook and find my place in the NYC restaurant scene. Miriam Park Slope Looking back, did you ever imagine you would build a successful restaurant group like 6R Hospitality? What have been some key challenges and successes? Honestly, no. I've always been very practical—I wasn't thinking about building a group, and even after opening my first restaurant, I didn't expect to open more. But like they say, with food comes appetite. The biggest challenge for me was shifting from being a chef focused solely on the kitchen to seeing the full picture—understanding that food is just one part of a successful restaurant. Service, ambiance, location, design, and even a bit of luck all need to align. When I started expanding, I realized I couldn't do it all on my own. I needed to build a strong team with skills I didn't have. My greatest success has been finding great people and learning to delegate. I'm proud to say some of my team members have been with me for over 20 years. Miriam, your first restaurant in Park Slope, was a tribute to your mother. How did her spirit shape the concept and atmosphere of Miriam? Both of my parents inspired me deeply, but my mom's name—Miriam—was a perfect fit for a restaurant. They taught me to work hard, respect others, be kind without expecting anything in return, and believe in myself. In Israel, we say someone is the 'salt of the earth'—that was them: humble, real, and full of integrity. After losing my brother, I wanted to make my parents proud. Miriam is a way of honoring my roots and showing my love and appreciation for the values they instilled in me. I truly hope my brother sees what I've built—I'm sure he would be proud. The original Miriam opened 20 years ago this month and is still known for its bustling brunch. When did you first notice the buzz growing around that location? From day one, Miriam stood out as the only Israeli restaurant offering a full-service experience—not just falafel or fast food. I remember our very first weekend, there was a line out the door. Within a month, we had people waiting outside before we even opened. I recall someone posting a video of the line on Facebook—I sent it to all my friends. Most congratulated me, but one friend said, 'Why don't you just open earlier?' So we did. And we still get lines today, especially between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. That's why we eventually expanded brunch to seven days a week. A spread of Miriam dishes. Having been in the restaurant industry for 20 years, how have you seen it change? While the core of hospitality remains the same, today's guests are much more informed and expect more from a dining experience. They're health-conscious, value presentation, and are highly influenced by social media. It's no longer just about filling up—it's about the whole experience: the food, the atmosphere, the visuals, and the service. Restaurants must deliver on all fronts to stay relevant. For someone visiting Miriam for the first time, what are a few must-try dishes and why? For brunch, I always recommend the Israeli breakfast with labneh, eggs, and salad; our green or red shakshuka; and the breakfast burekas—it's a favorite. For dinner, try the halloumi and artichoke salad, Brussels sprouts, and our signature lamb shawarma. Each dish reflects our roots and showcases fresh, vibrant flavors. What makes the food at Miriam stand out? Are there any original menu items featured during the anniversary celebration? We're celebrating our 20th anniversary with a special retro menu featuring dishes from our original opening—at their original prices. Think grilled Jerusalem bread stuffed with feta and jalapeños for $5, spanakopita for $5.50, lamb shank with couscous and dried fruits for $20, and more. What sets our food apart is the authenticity and heart behind it. We stay true to the flavors of home while making everything with intention and care. After Miriam's success, you opened 1803 NYC, a restaurant inspired by New Orleans. What sparked that concept? I visited New Orleans for the first time in February 2017 and fell in love—with the food, the music, the spirit. When I returned to New York, I knew I had to bring that energy here. A few months later, I was asked to consult on a restaurant in Tribeca. When I walked in and saw the mezzanine, it reminded me of Bourbon Street balconies. I told the owner, 'I won't consult, but if you make me a partner, I'll turn this into a New Orleans-inspired restaurant.' And that's how 1803 was born. 1803 NYC is known for its live entertainment and speakeasy. What kind of experience can guests expect there? 1803 is a New Orleans-style tavern with vibrant Cajun-American food—gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, charbroiled oysters, and more. We have live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and weekend brunches. Our downstairs speakeasy is open Wednesday to Saturday and features specialty cocktails in a vintage 1920s setting, fully decorated with antiques from the Brimfield market. If you want in, just tell the host you know Rafael. Your newest restaurant, Rafael, opened on the Upper East Side in 2024. What inspired this concept, and how does it differ from Miriam? Rafael is a bit more refined and focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, whereas Miriam leans more toward traditional Middle Eastern flavors. I wanted to create something that reflects a broader cultural influence while staying true to my identity. Jews came to Israel from 154 different countries, and Rafael's menu is a tribute to that wider diaspora. It's elegant, soulful, and rooted in history. What are a few must-try dishes at Rafael? I'd recommend the pan-seared chicken and roasted leeks—simple but full of flavor. The sautéed mushrooms with yogurt cheese are a standout, and the lamb chops are phenomenal. I never put anything on the menu I don't personally love. With 20 years behind you and new restaurants still opening, what's next for 6R Hospitality? We're working on opening a new Miriam in the West Village at 140–142 7th Avenue South, targeted for late summer 2025. Beyond that, who knows—but I don't think this journey is over. As long as I love what I do, I'll keep going. Someone once asked me why I chose the restaurant business. I said, 'I like making people happy. I considered being a comedian—but restaurants are much easier.'
Bloomberg
29-04-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
New York Restaurant Targeted by Antisemetic Graffiti Is Opening New Location
Miriam, an Israeli restaurant favored by New Yorkers, is opening a third location months after its outpost in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope was the target of antisemitic graffiti. The West Village location will open by September on 7th Avenue South off Charles Street, owner and chef Rafael Hasid says. It will be Miriam's largest restaurant yet, taking over a building that formerly housed the Mexican eatery Agave. After six months of negotiations in the high-net-worth neighborhood, Hasid closed the deal in early April with the help of Meridian Leasing broker Eli Marcus. Miriam has garnered a loyal following, and there are lines out the door for its classic Israeli cuisine and seven-days-a-week brunch, featuring dishes like green shakshuka and the Jerusalem breakfastwith eggs, avocado spread, a bagel and labneh. The menu at the new location will be more or less the same, says Hasid, but the place's atmosphere could well reflect the neighborhood's younger vibe.
CBS News
27-01-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Miriam, popular Israeli restaurant, vandalized in Brooklyn
NEW YORK - Miriam, a cherished Israeli restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn, was vandalized over the weekend. The NYPD says its Hate Crimes Task Force is now investigating. Surveillance video shows the vandals painting antisemitic graffiti on the outside of Miriam's on Fifth Avenue and Prospect Place. It happened around 3 a.m. Sunday. The owner says his restaurant isn't connected to the unrest happening in Israel. "We've been good neighbors for 20 years. I don't think we deserve any of this behavior," owner Rafael Hasid said. "I hope next time, if there's anything people have a problem with what we do here, they come and we have a conversation." "Anyone who wrongfully targets and attacks innocent New Yorkers must be held accountable," New York Attorney General Letitia James posted in response. "Make no mistake, the NYPD is investigating and will find those responsible," New York City Mayor Eric Adams posted. The vandalism comes ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Monday. The Museum of Jewish Heritage in Lower Manhattan will commemorate the day with several events, including the livestream of a special ceremony in Poland marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz starting at 10 a.m. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You can also submit a tip via their website. All calls are kept confidential.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
Vandals hit NYC Israeli eatery with ‘genocide culture' — but owner pledges to leave it there in act of defiance
Vile vandals slapped anti-Semitic screeds across the windows of a Brooklyn Israeli restaurant — but the owner wants to leave the messages up in a defiance to shed a light on hate local Jewish residents are experiencing. 'Genocide cuisine,' was one of the messaged stenciled with red paint across the windows and doors of Miriam, an Israeli-owned middle eastern restaurant in Park Slope. 'Israel steals culture' was another, while the front door and stoop was splashed with red paint in a clear attempt to emulate spilled blood. The attack went down just before 3 a.m. Sunday morning, with three vandals sneaking up on the spot under the cover of darkness with their faces hidden behind hoods and masks. One of the vandals served as a lookout, while the other two hurriedly marred Miriam's windows before scurrying off into the night, security footage obtained by The Post showed. 'It's just a sad thing, you know, I don't know what people, why they're so angry about a restaurant in Brooklyn,' said Rafael Hasid, who's owned the restaurant for 20 years. 'I'm Israeli, like, 'I'm sorry I was born in Israel?' I'm not stealing anybody's food, not doing anything. I don't know what people, what do they want from me, what did I do?' he told The Post. The incident was the second time his restaurant was targeted by anti-Israel agitators. About two years ago, Hasid's Miriam location on the Upper West Side was similarly vandalized. He's also been subjected to numerous threatening phone calls, while he said random people who have never eaten at his restaurants have blanketed him with negative reviews online. While he has everything he needs to clean the paint off his glass, Hasid decided to open his doors Sunday without cleaning it off to people are forced to look at the hate lurking in their own neighborhood. 'I want people to see it. I want the people to see it. I don't want to wash it right away. People should see and like, see that things like that happen,' he said. And he said the public's response has been inspiring, with people stopping by to eat who otherwise hadn't planned to, some offering to donate to help with the clean up, and others sticking their heads in the simply offer their support and condolences. US Sen. Chuck Schumer even stopped by to place an order and show his support, the owner said. Police are investigating the incident, and have have posted officers to stand watch nearby. Incidents of antisemitism have spiked across the city since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and brought the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the headlines. Additional reporting by Steven Vago
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Brooklyn Israeli restaurant vandalized with antisemitic graffiti
The Brief The Israeli restaurant, Miriam, in Brooklyn was vandalized over the weekend and defaced with anti-Israel messages. The vandalism happened around 3 a.m., police said. No arrests have been made at this time. BROOKLYN - A long-standing Israeli restaurant in a Brooklyn neighborhood was vandalized and defaced with anti-Israel messages on Sunday, police said. What we know On Sunday, vandals spray-painted antisemitic graffiti on the outside of the Miriam restaurant in Park Slope. The vandalism happened around 3 a.m., police said. When police arrived at the scene, they were informed that red paint had been thrown on the windows, with a statement made in red spray paint. No arrests have been made at this time. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is currently investigating. What we don't know Right now, we don't know who spray-painted these messages outside the restaurant. What they're saying "Miriam Brooklyn Restaurant was sadly vandalized with messages of hate. But we refuse to let this darken our spirit. Miriam stands for inclusivity and unity and bringing people together through the shared love of delicious food and warm hospitality," the restaurant said in an Instagram post. FOX 5 NY also spoke with the owner of the restaurant. "It makes me sad, that people, instead of if they have a different opinion than mine, instead of coming and talking about it, they vandalize my restaurant," owner Rafael Hasid said. NYC Mayor Eric Adams said he will not tolerate hateful acts and that the NYPD is investigating. "As mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, I am particularly heartbroken by this evil act. Make no mistake, the NYPD is investigating and will find those responsible," Adams said in a post on X. New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the incident as "outrageous and despicable," stressing that "antisemitism in Brooklyn is an attack on every New Yorker and contradicts our core values." "To the owners and staff of Miriam: your state stands with you. And the perpetrators will be brought to justice," Hochul said in a post on X. The Source This article uses information from government officials' social media accounts and the NYPD.
