In the heart of Modi'in's bustling Dam HaMaccabim Street, an American dream has taken root in the most unexpected way. Shimi's, a new kosher diner, is proving that keeping kosher doesn't mean compromising on authentic American flavor – and it's making waves in Israel's increasingly sophisticated culinary scene.
The story behind Shimi's is as American as the burgers it serves. Owner Shimi Shine left a comfortable life in Los Angeles to make aliyah, initially settling in the peaceful Golan Heights community of Hispin. When war disrupted his northern food ventures, he made a bold pivot, bringing his American food expertise to Modi'in's competitive restaurant scene.
What sets Shimi's apart isn't just its kosher certification – it's the culinary prowess behind every dish. To ensure authenticity, Shine partnered with Chef Todd Aarons, whose resume includes prestigious positions in San Francisco and New York, and Tierra Sur in Southern California, where wealthy patrons would helicopter in just for lunch. Like Shine, Aarons also made aliyah, bringing his expertise to Tel Aviv's Bodega and Jerusalem's Crave before joining forces at Shimi's.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the smash burger, available in two versions: the classic O.G. and the "Oklahoma style," loaded with fried onions. Prices are refreshingly straightforward: 39 shekels for a single, 59 for a double, and 79 for a triple. But what's truly revolutionary is the vegan cheese option – so convincing that it's converting even the most dedicated dairy devotees.
The menu extends beyond burgers, featuring a stellar crispy chicken sandwich (49 shekels) that captures the essence of American comfort food while maintaining kosher standards. The sides deserve special mention, particularly the house-made corn dog (39 shekels) and an impressive array of five different french fry variations (18-22 shekels), including the rarely-seen-in-Israel waffle fries.
Perhaps the most ambitious offering is the "Reuben New York" (69 shekels), featuring house-made pastrami cut thicker than the Israeli standard, mimicking authentic New York deli style. Served on their signature bun rather than traditional rye bread, it's a bold reimagining of a classic.
In a city full of chain restaurants and familiar concepts, Shimi's stands out by delivering something genuinely new: an authentic American diner experience that happens to be kosher. It's not just serving food; it's proving that with enough dedication and creativity, you can have your kosher burger and eat it too.
For the growing Modi'in community, Shimi's represents more than just another restaurant – it's a testament to how far kosher dining has come, and a glimpse of where it's heading. And we couldn't be happier.
*Under local rabbinate supervision.*
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