Chef / Sommelier · New York
Chef Kfir Ben-Ari
French trained private chef and sommelier in New York City. From Israel, via France, to New York.
Chef Kfir’s Food Love Affair
Inspired by the seasons of the Mediterranean.
Born and raised in Israel, Chef Kfir Ben-Ari found inspiration from the seasons and produce of the Mediterranean.
Upon deciding to embark on his culinary journey, he knew he wanted to attend the renowned school of Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France to learn French techniques.
After graduating, he moved to New York City to work with Chef Daniel Boulud. It was here that his love affair with foie gras began.
The Sommelier
“It was a bottle of Maucaillou 1996 that inspired me to become a sommelier.”
He spent another nine years running restaurant Paradou in the Meatpacking District, developing his own version of modern French cooking and immersing himself in the wonderful world of wine. Certified sommelier (SSA) since 2012.
Harlem, New York
Rendezvous
As a resident of Harlem, NY for over a decade, it was Chef Kfir’s biggest dream to open Rendezvous, where he could showcase his modern creations of southeastern French cuisine with Middle Eastern accents and his love of French and local wines.
Customers will often find the chef visiting tables, sharing his knowledge of food and wine.
Private Chef
At home, on the road, in season.
In 2018 Kfir became a private chef for a lovely Franco-American family. He was cooking for them and traveled as needed.
During the pandemic, Kfir took another position as a private chef in Southampton, NY, and was cooking seasonally and locally.
Chef / Sommelier Kfir Ben-Ari is available for long term or private events as well as for private classes on French, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Pan Latin, Asian, and bread baking.
Health & Safety
Chef Kfir’s priority is the safety and well-being of all guests. To keep everyone safe, he has implemented new health and safety protocols that go above and beyond his already strict standards.
From Chef Kfir’s Happy Customers