Join us for a conversation with renowned chef Alon Shaya and Los Angeles based food critic Aliza Sokolow about Shaya's new book, Memories of a Good Meal. Following the conversation will be a tasting of some Hanukkah themed treats featured in the book.

Memories of a Good Meal, co-written by June Hersh, compiles diverse recipes from World War II, including foods from different countries, cultures and circumstances. This book honors courage and resilience, but also appetite and pleasure, family and tradition, generosity and community. It is a testament to the power of a good meal—not simply to sustain the body, but to hold memory, preserve identity, tell a story, and connect one generation to the next.

Alon Shaya is the multiple James Beard Award-winning chef and cofounder of Pomegranate Hospitality. He was born in Israel, raised in Philadelphia, and is now a proud New Orleanian. His food spans continents and cultures, from his modern Israeli restaurants Saba (New Orleans) and Safta (Denver) to Safta’s Table (New Orleans), a neighborhood Mediterranean all-day café. His restaurants Saba and Safta have both been recognized by the esteemed Michelin Guide as some of the best restaurants in their respective cities.

In 2021, Alon spearheaded the Rescued Recipes initiative with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, based on his collaboration and deep friendship with the Holocaust survivor Steven Fenves. To date, Rescued Recipes has raised over a million dollars. A passionate philanthropist, he also co-founded the Shaya Barnett Foundation with his mentor and high school home economics teacher, Donna Barnett, to provide culinary education and resources to high school students.

Alon is also the co-author of Shaya: An Odyssey of Food, My Journey Back to Israel, a memoir-style cookbook exploring his personal journey of survival and culinary discovery. He has been recognized by Southern Living as one of the “50 People Who Are Changing the South” and by The Forward as one of the “50 Most Influential Jews in America.” He lives in New Orleans with his family.

Aliza J. Sokolow is an Emmy Award–winning food stylist, author, chef, and media personality whose work seamlessly blends culinary creativity with impactful storytelling. Her debut children’s book, This Is What I Eat (Random House Kids, 2023), encourages young readers to explore and enjoy healthy eating in a joyful, colorful, and accessible way. Aliza is also a regular guest on Good Day LA, where she shares vibrant, health-forward recipes designed to inspire home cooks of all ages.

Aliza’s career began on Jamie Oliver’s groundbreaking Food Revolution, where her work as a food stylist helped the show earn an Emmy Award, along and two additional nominations, and a James Beard Media Award. Her culinary and visual storytelling has been featured in several publications.

Beyond the kitchen, Aliza is passionate about service and community building. She sits on the boards of the UC Berkeley Food Institute and Our Big Kitchen LA, and regularly organizes volunteer events that nourish the community and support food access. Her deep-rooted love for food and its power to connect people began at Camp Alonim, where she first discovered the joy of cooking and the transformative potential of shared meals.