We are so lucky today to introduce you to a fantastic Israeli food photographer.  Danny has graciously shared with us a beautiful menu with Israeli inspiration for our Rosh Hashanah feast.

Who is Danny?  Danny Lerner is considered a specialist in foods of the Mediterranean Region (North African, Eastern Mediterranean and Southern European).   Danny enjoys photographing its bold flavors. The golden olive oil, pungent onion and garlic, aromatic spices, sweet honey and wine - all gracefully come alive in his work.

In the Mediterranean the light is clear, bright and warm. Under this light many ethnic groups blend together in a fresh feast of multicolored delicacies.  Danny brings a direct connection with Israel and its lovely flavors, a personal encounter with the contemporary Mediterranean cuisine as seen though his lens.

A graduate of Jerusalem’s Bezalel Academy of Art & Design, Danny Lerner is one of the top professionals in the Israeli market today. Based in Tel Aviv for the last fifteen years, he works for Israel’s major food companies and magazines.

When Danny is not shooting for local food manufacturers and ad agencies, he is photographing dishes for Laisha, a prominent Israeli women’s magazine.  Often he is on assignment, perhaps in a vineyard or a boutique cheese maker.
Or he might just be enjoying some playtime, experimenting with different shots and food just for fun, in an intimate test shot session. He has photographed seven very successful Israeli cookbooks, featuring among other themes, Jewish
holiday dishes, seafood, stuffed foods, the art of baking and homemade breads.

And now onto the food...

Did you ever think of using cinnamon sticks as skewers?  Me neither, but what a great idea!

Serve this gorgeous chicken over a glass of sparkling wine, if that is too fancy for you, just serve it on its own.

Now onto a Baked Duck Breast best served alongside Honey Pumpkin.  With Rosh Hashanah coming so late this year, pumpkin is the perfect side dish.

One more side dish is this fabulous Couscous Salad with Tomato Confit and Asparagus, colorful, alive and just what the doctor ordered.

And finally you can finish the meal with a luscious fig tart.

These pictures show how good the food can look, I know it can be intimidating, but these recipes are easier than they look, so give them a try, you won't be disappointed.

Recipes are

Photographed by Danny Lerner

Courtesy of Laisha Magazine

Senior Chef Michal Levi Elhallel

Junior chef Zahi Ben Shbaath

Styling Pesi Barnitzki

You may see Danny Lerner’s work at

www.dannylerner.com

www.dannylerner.tumblr.com

or follow him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Studio.DannyLerner

Contact: pathiraldo@yahoo.com