Deepest gratitude and appreciation to our editor, Sarah Hochman, for all you have done in finding us and believing in this book. Our thanks to everyone at Blue Rider Press and Penguin Random House.
For your support, help, and love: Brian Jankelowitz, Chad Jankelowitz, Ayelet and Asi Berman, Ron Krell and family, Steven Kamali, Henry Hargreaves, Tina Thor, Piper Perabo and Stephen Kay, Zohar and Yaniv Zohar.
To Maya’s parents, Aviva Bachar and Michael Weiss, and Dean’s parents, Rona Kahn and Brian Jankelowitz.
For being with us all along the way, listening to our dreams, and always believing: Galit Sharvit and David BenSadoun, Kara Baradarian, Anthony Lipschitz, Gavin B. Sclar and family, Amir and Nirit Weingarten, Michal Green Rubin.
To our chef, Julia Jaksic: Encountering Julia has been one of the rare treats in our life. For her understanding of who we are as a people, her uncanny interpretation of our favorite dishes, her love for everyone she works with, and her calming presence—thank you.
To Laureen Moyal and Mikey Pozarik, and the team at Paperwhite Studio for constant design brilliance and imagination; Sarah Tihany for your penmanship and friendship; Alessandra Olanow for illustrating Freda so whimsically; and to Patrick Hessert, a very special thank you.
To Yony Lopez, Erick Fernandez and our entire team in the kitchen. To our incredible service team who make it all possible every day, each and every one of you. To our partners, vendors, suppliers and of course to our guests—this book is for you.
To the teachers, friends, and family who have come across our paths.
To our precious boys, Noam and Bennie Jankelowitz, your presence is our inspiration.
—Maya and Dean Jankelowitz