Frena
5-Course Modern Middle Eastern Tasting Event
Opened last March, this Middle Eastern eatery jumped right onto Infatuation’s list of “22 Best in Hell’s Kitchen” and Grub Street’s List of “Where to Eat in NYC.” Chef/Owner Efi Naon, born in Holon, a city a few miles south of Tel Aviv, launched his culinary career in his home country and then worked at the 3-Michelin-Starred L’Esperance in France. Coming to the U.S., he opened the celebrated Taboon in 2004, introducing many in the city to modern Israeli food, but it was destroyed by a fire in 2021. Undaunted, he opened Frena on the same site and is thrilling diners with dishes like cauliflower hummus, crab “shawarma,” salmon baklava, Moroccan “cigars” with Wagyu beef and ras-el-hanout, and lamb terracotta, prepared in the restaurant’s clay oven. Gorgeous desserts too, like halva sundae and strawberries and mascarpone with lemon curd. Condé Nast Traveler describes Frena as “a Mediterranean haven”—words that are music to our ears—so we are eager to visit here and learn more from Chef Naon about the culinary traditions he is honoring. See you there!
About the Host:
Efi Naon
Chef/Owner
Raised just outside of Tel Aviv, Chef Efi Naon got his start in the restaurant business as a dishwasher in 1994. After graduating from the Tadmor Culinary Institute in 1995, he honed his craft at a seafood restaurant in Jaffa as well as 3-Michelin-Starred L’Esperance. Frena is his latest restaurant after Taboon.
The Lineup
Courses #1, #3 & #5 will be individually plated; courses #2 & #4 will be served family-style. This menu will be Mushroom Free. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Falafel Duo
sweet potato falafel with tzatziki, sour cabbage, green garbanzo | falafel with tahini, amba, pickled cucumber, cherry tomato
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Roasted Baby Gem Caesar Salad
black garlic caesar dressing, roasted cherry tomato, toasted challah, roasted cauliflower floret, 24-month parmigiano reggiano
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Wild Striped Bass "Tunschi"
souk-spiced tomato ragout, green garbanzo, preserved lemon
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Signature Lamb Terra Cotta
colorado lamb in clay pot, flatbread top
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Tres Leches Olive Oil Cake
cardamom chantilly
Frena
773 10th Ave
New York, NY 10019
Event FAQs
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian (with Vegetarian Substitutions), Dairy, Gluten, Fish, Shellfish, Nut. They are NOT accommodating restrictions related to the following ingredients: Cooked Garlic, Cooked Onion, Shallot. If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
