On this episode, we're thrilled to host renowned chef and spice connoisseur Chef Lior Lev Sercarz, aka the Spice King and founder of the spice emporium, La Boite. Lior takes us across the globe — from his childhood on a kibbutz in Israel just miles from Lebanon, where he learned the importance of communal eating, to his culinary adventures in France that sparked his love for spices.
After his family eventually left the kibbutz and his parents worked later, Chef Lior often found himself in the kitchen reading cook books while getting dinner ready for his family. As a young man, Lior served in the Israeli military, where he discovered his passion for cooking when he saw how much comfort a warm meal could bring to those he was feeding. This passion led him to attend culinary school in France, where his fascination with spices blossomed. Over a 30-year career, he has traveled the globe in search of the finest, most premium spices. Today, he shares his curated selections with everyone—from home cooks to Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrity chefs.
Lior also shares the magic behind some of his signature blends, discusses his beloved cookbook A Middle Eastern Pantry, and explains how spices can transform everyday cooking into extraordinary experiences. He offers an inside look into sourcing his top-tier spices from around the world, revealing how climate and demand can influence the ingredients that go into your spice rack. Whether you're a home cook, a professional chef, or simply a spice lover, this episode will inspire you to elevate your dishes and embrace the joy of flavorful, intentional cooking.
Tune in to find out whose spicy Bloody Mary reigns supreme! Get inspired, and let’s eat this!
Everything Chef Lior Lev Sercarz
La Boite on Instagram: @laboiteny
Lior on Instagram: @cheflior
A Middle Eastern Pantry Cookbook
What you'll hear:
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What we've been cookin', who we've been entertainin', and any kitchen conundrums of the week... often in our Momma's Texas accent
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