Chef Yossi Shitrit and The Third Space's Shai Lavi serve free fish katayef at the Marcus JCC in Dunwoody on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from noon to 3 p.m.

A food truck from Israel’s tourism ministry parks at the Marcus JCC of Atlanta on Tilly Mill Road next Tuesday, Oct. 27, and the food is free. Israeli chef Yossi Shitrit will cook from noon to 3 p.m. alongside Shai Lavi, chef and owner of The Third Space in Atlanta.

The stop is called “A Taste of Israel,” and it is one of four on a Southern tour, the Israel Ministry of Tourism said in its announcement on Oct. 20. The truck is in Boca Raton, Florida, on Oct. 25 before it reaches Dunwoody, then goes on to Nashville on Oct. 28 and Dallas on Oct. 30. The ministry said the tour extends its “I AM ISRAEL” campaign.

What is on the menu

Shitrit and Lavi are putting together one dish for the Atlanta stop, which the ministry said brings “Israeli culinary influences together with local talent.” It is fish katayef: a crispy Israeli flatbread filled with grouper, cilantro, tahini and amba sauce. A vegetarian dish will also be served.

Facts panel: A Taste of Israel, a free food truck pop-up with chefs Yossi Shitrit and Shai Lavi, Tuesday, Oct. 27, noon to 3 p.m., at the Marcus JCC of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. On the menu: fish katayef with grouper, cilantro, tahini and amba, plus a vegetarian dish. Cost: free.
The Dunwoody stop at a glance. Graphic by Dunwoody Journal
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Who is cooking

Shitrit is the chef behind the Tel Aviv restaurants HIBA and BANDIT and a judge on MasterChef Israel, according to the ministry. It says he was named to The Best Chef list in 2024 and 2025, the first Israeli chef to receive the distinction, and describes his cooking as bringing “the country’s rich culinary roots” together with “global influences, contemporary techniques and a spirit of creativity and innovation.”

Yoram Elgrabli, the ministry’s tourism commissioner for North America, said pairing Shitrit with a local chef in each city was the point of the tour.

“Israel’s culinary culture reflects the country itself,” Elgrabli said. “It is diverse, deeply rooted, constantly evolving and full of creativity. A Taste of Israel gives people an opportunity to experience that firsthand.”

“Bringing Chef Yossi together with local culinary voices in each city makes the experience even more meaningful,” he said, “creating a conversation between Israeli food and the incredible food cultures found across the United States.”

What it means for you

  • When: Tuesday, Oct. 27, noon to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Marcus JCC of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338.
  • Cost: Free. The ministry has not said whether portions are limited, so earlier in the window is the safer bet.
  • Food: fish katayef with grouper, or a vegetarian option.
  • More information: the ministry’s travel site, GoIsrael.com.

Looking for more to do around town? See our things to do in Dunwoody this month and this weekend.