What Happens When a Moroccan-Born Foodie Meets Kansas City?

What happens when a Moroccan-born foodie who keeps kosher finds himself in barbecue-loving Kansas City and later settles on a horse ranch? You get the Kosher Cowboy—a blend of Old-World traditions, bold flavors, and a passion for gourmet kosher recipes that break the mold.

Born in Morocco, I grew up in Central America (Panama and Honduras), the Philippines, and then spent 25 years in the heartland of Kansas City (#kcchiefs), before finally moving to South Florida. Over the years, I’ve honed my cooking skills, inspired by the rich flavors of Sephardic, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

A Diverse Career Journey: From Mortgage Banking to Gourmet Cooking

Before embracing my passion for food, I worked in a variety of fields, from starting my career as a mortgage banker, to becoming a cable TV executive, and later founding several technology companies. These experiences gave me the skills to navigate business challenges, think creatively, and appreciate the importance of adapting to change—skills that have translated seamlessly into my food journey. Now, I focus my time on being a dad, husband, rancher, business coach, and of course, a passionate foodie.

Discovering the Mediterranean Diet: A Kosher Take on Healthy, Flavorful Living

As a Sephardi Jew, I grew up surrounded by the vibrant tastes of Moroccan cuisine and the Mediterranean. My mother and grandmother were culinary artists, and their recipes have been passed down through generations for over 300 years. Growing up, we lived the Mediterranean diet long before it became a trend. Fresh vegetables, olive oil, grains, and lean meats like lamb and fish were staples in our meals, creating the foundation for the healthy eating habits I’ve maintained throughout my life.

From Shabbat to Gourmet Revolution: A Kosher Cowboy’s Take on Mediterranean Cuisine

The words “gourmet” and “kosher” may not have always gone together, but that’s changing. The gourmet kosher revolution is in full swing, and Israel has become one of the world’s most exciting foodie destinations. The innovation happening in Israel is reshaping kosher cuisine, and it inspires me to create and share recipes that fuse the best of Sephardic and Mediterranean flavors.

Immigrants from around the world have brought their unique culinary traditions to the Holy Land, resulting in a vibrant food scene where dishes like couscous and burekas coexist with new, innovative recipes. Just as Israel has embraced this food revolution, I strive to bring a fresh perspective to kosher cooking by blending classic traditions with modern flair.

A Love for Community and Laughter Over Food

Food has always been about community, laughter, and connection in my family. Our home was always the gathering place for friends and family, especially on Shabbat. The smell of freshly baked challah, sizzling lamb kefta, and flame-roasted vegetables made our house the place to be on Friday nights.

I’ll never forget how my non-Jewish friends—tall, tough, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, and raised on burgers and fries—loved soaking up my mom’s dafina and salade cuite with her freshly baked challah. Watching them embrace the customs like washing hands before the motzi (eating bread) and learning to love those exotic spices was both hilarious and heartwarming. To this day, my friends still reminisce about those unforgettable meals.

Why I Started This Blog

I created this blog to share my passion for gourmet kosher recipes. It’s to showcase the vibrant, flavorful dishes of Sephardic and Mediterranean cooking. This isn’t just about food—it’s about bringing people together. We celebrate traditions and share the recipes that make up my heritage. Each dish tells a story of the flavors, spices, and customs that have shaped my life.

Join Me on This Culinary Journey

Explore the recipes, get inspired by the rich history of kosher gourmet cooking. Embrace the beauty of sharing a meal with loved ones. I hope you enjoy these dishes as much as I have enjoyed preparing and sharing them with my family and friends.

From traditional Sephardic dishes to modern fusion recipes, I aim to:

• Revive classic Jewish recipes with a gourmet twist
• Introduce bold flavors from Moroccan, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines
• Show that keeping kosher doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or creativity

Let’s Cook Together!

This blog is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a community. I love hearing from fellow food lovers, so don’t be shy!

• Check out my latest gourmet kosher recipes
• Subscribe for exclusive cooking tips and Shabbat meal ideas
• Join the conversation! Drop a comment or share your own kosher recipes

B’tayavon! Buen provecho! Bon appétit!