Latest news with #Aviv
New York Times
18 hours ago
- New York Times
The Israeli Hostage Who Refused to Embrace Revenge
Liat Beinin Atzili was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for 54 days. When she returned to Israel, she learned her husband was murdered on Oct. 7. In this episode of 'The Opinions,' the editor Sarah Wildman speaks to Beinin Atzili about her radically different experience from most other hostages and why she doesn't believe in revenge. Below is a transcript of an episode of 'The Opinions.' We recommend listening to it in its original form for the full effect. You can do so using the player above or on the NYT Audio App, Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. The transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Sarah Wildman: I'm Sarah Wildman. I'm an editor and writer for New York Times Opinion. I first met Liat Beinin Atzili a little over a year ago by email. I edited an essay she wrote about the concept of tekumah, or rebirth after the Holocaust. She is a Holocaust educator and a history teacher for teens. She's also a former hostage. She was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7, 2023. She was held for 54 days and released during a one-week truce agreement. Liat returned to a changed landscape. Her home burned, her family displaced and her husband, Aviv, murdered during the attacks. Her family's efforts to bring her home are the story of a new documentary called 'Holding Liat.' In it we see both the efforts to secure her release and her return. After I watched the film, I couldn't stop thinking about how when Liat returned to Israel, she didn't turn away from Palestinians. She turned toward them, turning to her grief to find a path to peace and rejecting revenge. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
TechCrunch
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- TechCrunch
SparkCharge raises $30M to help fleets electrify without commitments
Electrifying a fleet of vehicles is the chicken-and-egg problem for the 21st century. Where do you spend money first, on the vehicles or the charging infrastructure? Believe it or not, that question isn't always thought through. Joshua Aviv, founder and CEO of SparkCharge, has had fleets approach him and say, 'Hey, the cars are here. They're sitting on the lot. We've got no way to service them, no way to charge them. Can you guys help us out?' he told TechCrunch. Some companies are a tad more prepared and give Aviv a week's notice, sometimes longer. But that's not entirely surprising given Aviv's pitch: buy the vehicles first, and leave the charging to us. It's a bit of a pivot from the startup's first offering, which was mobile EV charging. The company had partnered with AllState to help stranded EV drivers, for example. Now, SparkCharge offers what it calls 'charging-as-a-service.' Fleets sign a deal with the startup to buy electricity on a per-kilowatt-hour basis, and SparkCharge make charing happen. The startup has expanded into all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico, To continue to expand, SparkCharge has raised $15.5 million in a Series A-1 round led by Monte's Fam with participation from Cleveland Avenue, Collab Capital, Elemental Impact, MarcyPen, and Non-sibi Ventures, the company exclusively told TechCrunch. Alongside the equity round, SparkCharge also secured a $15 million venture loan from Horizon Technology Finance Corporation. Aviv founded SparkCharge in 2018 as the electric vehicle wave was beginning to form. Outside of Tesla, fast-charging infrastructure was lacking. But companies were starting to invest in electrification because of the compelling financial outlook: EVs promised not only to save on fuel costs, but also maintenance. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW In the seven years since, fast charging has dramatically improved, but it's not evenly distributed. 'There's a lot of fleets out there that are like, 'Hey, I'm in middle of America. Hey, I'm in different parts of the coast,'' Aviv said. In many cases, those customers have a large volume of EVs moving through the facility that need to be charged daily. That includes ports, railheads, or automotive manufacturers. 'Usually these operations are happening 24/7,' Aviv said. 'They want to get these cars charged, but back out on the road.' Even in regions that have plenty of fast chargers, many fleets want their own to control when to charge. But building depot charging can be expensive and delayed by long grid interconnection queues. 'Basically, we can come in service all their vehicles, charge all their vehicles, and they don't have to worry about grid delays, connection. They don't have to worry about any of that trenching, digging, tunneling, the construction,' Aviv said. In many cases, SparkCharge turns to mobile chargers powered by batteries or generators, which Aviv said can run on propane, natural gas, or hydrogen. The startup can either drop the equipment off and let the customer handle charging, or it can offer 'white glove' service where SparkCharge handles all aspects of charging, including plugging in. As customer's operations grow, the company can help them transition to permanent charging infrastructure. So far, 95% of the SparkCharge's customers use its off-grid chargers, Aviv said. Costs depend on the customer and the size of the fleet, he said, but typically run between 35 cents to 60 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is competitive with many public fast chargers. 'If a fleet uses 1,000 kilowatt-hours, then they only pay for that 1,000 kilowatt-hours. If they only use five kilowatt hours, they only pay for five kilowatt-hours,' he said. 'It allows the fleet to really be nimble and flexible with their how they're charging their cars. If they see a big uptick, then that's fine, right? They're covered. If they have a low season, that's fine. They're covered.'
Miami Herald
07-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
New restaurants are opening up all around Miami. Have you tried these five?
Food New restaurants are opening up all around Miami. Have you tried these five? Miami's dining scene continues to expand with new restaurants opening up all around town. Diverse influences shine through, from Bistro 8 in Little Havana, blending French and Latin flavors, to Aviv on Miami Beach, offering Israeli cuisine. Two new spots in Wynwood - Rosemary's and Novatore - recently opened offering Italian favorites. And one of the buzziest new openings is Maple & Ash, an elegant steakhouse from Chicago in downtown's Miami Worldcenter. The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. The colorful dining room at Bistro 8, the new upscale Mexican restaurant in Little Havana. By paul stoppi NO. 1: CREATORS OF A MIAMI MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANT JUST OPENED A NEW SPOT IN LITTLE HAVANA Take a look at this new Little Havana spot. | Published January 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Connie Ogle The outdoor garden and dining area at the new Rosemary's Italian restaurant in Wynwood. NO. 2: ONE OF NEW YORK'S POPULAR ITALIAN RESTAURANTS JUST OPENED IN MIAMI WITH A STUNNING GARDEN Let's take a tour. | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Connie Ogle Five-time James Beard Award winner Chef Michael Solomonov is opening Aviv, an Israeli restaurant, at 1 Hotel South Beach. By Michael Persico NO. 3: MIAMI BEACH IS BUZZING ABOUT THIS LONG-AWAITED ISRAELI RESTAURANT FROM A CELEBRATED CHEF The chef is a five-time James Beard Award winner. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Connie Ogle The Atrium dining room at Maple & Ash, which is opening its third location at Miami Worldcenter. NO. 4: THIS FAMOUS CHICAGO STEAKHOUSE IS FINALLY OPENING ITS LARGEST RESTAURANT IN MIAMI The restaurant also offers its famous 'I Don't Give a F*@k' tasting menu, a chef's choice menu with meat and seafood galore. | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Connie Ogle The dining room at Novatore Cucina & Bar, which recently opened in Wynwood. NO. 5: CHEFS FROM A MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANT IN SPAIN JUST OPENED A NEW SPOT IN MIAMI The huband-wife team will split their time between Miami and Spain. | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Connie Ogle This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.
Forbes
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
1 Hotel South Beach Ushers In New Era Of Dining With Aviv
In Miami's ever-evolving culinary scene, a new name is set to take center stage: Aviv is the latest creation from the five-time James Beard Award-winning hospitality group CookNSolo. Helmed by Chef Michael Solomonov and restaurateur Steve Cook, Aviv is bringing a fresh and vibrant take on modern Israeli cuisine to 1 Hotel South Beach. Aviv - which means 'spring' in Hebrew - draws inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of Israel, blending ancient cooking traditions with the dynamic energy of both Miami and Tel Aviv. This long-anticipated restaurant, which opened on March 14, is a testament to Solomonov's expertise in elevating Middle Eastern flavors, only here they're reimagined through a Miami lens. 'We couldn't be more excited for the wonderful people of Miami to experience our newest concept,' says Chef Solomonov. 'Aviv will be a soulful dining experience, combining ancient cooking methods with modern techniques.' Chef Michael Solomonov at Aviv Signature dishes begin with the beloved Saluf, a Yemenite flatbread baked-to-order and served alongside Solomonov's iconic hummus tehina in many variations, including one with beef and pine nuts as well as brown butter, urfa and crispy garlic. Served alongside are an array of vibrant small salads or Salatim, including Moroccan carrots, cabbage with sumac onions, twice-cooked eggplant and spicy fennel. It's the kind of fare reminiscent of the bustling eateries on the outskirts of Jaffa with an ever-changing array of fresh, seasonal vegetables served in heaps of small dishes. Mezze selections include a dazzling haloumi baklava, tuna boreeka, warm stuffed dates and fried cauliflower, while the Al Ha'esh offerings - which mean 'on the fire' - churns out beef shishlik, grouper atop spicy Chraime and Bulgarian kebabs. Every dish speaks to the thoughtful balance between heritage and creativity, making Aviv a destination for both culinary adventurers and devoted food lovers. TK Aviv's home at the 1 South Beach is fitting in terms of aesthetics. The space has been meticulously reimagined by the design firm Post Company, which has woven together a tapestry of textures and materials to create a setting that feels intimate and transportive. The restaurant features an expansive open kitchen, allowing diners a glimpse into the artistry of Chef Solomonov's team. A dedicated bar and lounge invite guests to linger over cocktails, while the outdoor terrace offers al fresco dining set in the heart of Miami Beach. The lobby at 1 Hotel South Beach. Aviv's arrival at 1 Hotel South Beach is a natural extension of the property's commitment to sustainability, luxury and immersive guest experiences. Known for its eco-conscious ethos and refined yet laid-back hospitality, 1 Hotel South Beach has long been a favorite destination for discerning travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and world-class amenities. 'We are excited to welcome AVIV to 1 Hotel South Beach and bring a new, premier dining destination to the city,' says Milton Sgarbi, regional vice president of operations at the hotel. 'Our partnership with Chef Solomonov and Steve Cook is a testament to our commitment to continue to bring new and exciting experiences for our guests.'
Miami Herald
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Miami Beach is buzzing about this long-awaited Israeli restaurant from a celebrated chef
One of the most anticipated new restaurants of 2025 is ready to open its doors in Miami Beach. Israeli-born chef Michael Solomonov, a five-time James Beard Award winner known for his award-winning Philadelphia restaurants, is preparing to open Aviv at 1 Hotel South Beach on March 14. The restaurant, in the former space of Jose Mendin's Habitat, has been redesigned by Post Company, with 132 seats, indoor and outdoor seating plus a private dining room. Reservations open at 10 a.m. March 3 for Aviv, which Solomonov says will offer Israeli cuisine inspired by 17 years at Zahav, an Israeli gem considered to be one of the best restaurants in the country. But local influences will play a role in its development. 'This is the product of two decades of exploration and trying to tell the story of Israeli cuisine,' he said. 'What we've learned is that when you try to exactly copy and paste it or replicate it, it doesn't work. We value the sense of place and time. So Miami influences helped us establish the menu.' Miami Beach bears similarities to Tel Aviv. Both cities are considered cosmopolitan and diverse and boast a warm climate and world-renowned beaches. They both also offer robust nightlife options. Solomonov's business partner Steve Cook, a restaurateur with whom he formed the hospitality group CookNSolo, said that Miami's similarity to Tel Aviv played a big part in the restaurant's evolution. CookNSolo also includes the restaurants Lilah, Laser Wolf, Federal Donuts & Chicken and Dizengoff. 'Going back 17 years, one of the things we talk about a lot is how southeast Pennsylvania and its growing season is nothing like Israel,' he said. 'Miami is a lot closer to the kind of climate you find in Israel. It's cool to be working with produce that's not in season in Pennsylvania most of the year.' Tel Aviv's culinary influences tend toward the Middle East, but in Miami, Cook and Solomonov are looking to Caribbean touches to make the menu standout. Chicken might be marinated with guava, for example. Key lime could find its way onto a dessert. And Solomonov will make use of South Florida fish like buttery pompano, a local delicacy he'll serve with sea bean tzatziki. 'You lay it on top of charcoal and get the skin crispy,' he said. The menu will also include saluf, a Yemenite flatbread that will be baked to order, served with the chef's signature and ridiculously creamy hummus. One particularly alluring mezze is the haloumi baklava with quince and pistachio, and an entree specialty includes a ribeye shishlik with grilled tomatoes and sumac onions. Because this is a restaurant in Miami Beach, a lot of attention is paid to cocktails, too. The Zhoug is a twist on a classic margarita with a bit of spice, and the Black and White Cookie is reminiscent of the famous cookie itself. Both Solomonov and Cook are optimistic about Miami's years-long upgrade as a culinary destination, despite the fact an earlier unsuccessful attempt to establish a footing in the city with Dizengoff and Federal Donuts, which closed in 2018 after only six months in Wynwood. The problems stemmed from constant construction in the changing neighborhood, particularly in front of their location on Northwest 24th Street, which deterred car and foot traffic. 'It was a bit early for Wynwood,' Cook said. 'And we were on an island with those businesses. We live in Philadelphia. We didn't have a local presence on the ground.' The partnership with 1 Hotel, an idea that Solomonov said surfaced four years ago at a pop-up he ran during Art Basel, has been a different story. 'When we opened Zahav, no one was knocking on our doors offering other opportunities,' Cook said. 'We've been fortunate to get to pick and choose. Finding a partner like 1 Hotel, I understand how special their approach is.' Solomonov echoes his praise for the group's new partner — and the changing Miami culinary arena. 'The Miami food scene has developed so much in the past few years,' he said. 'Is it the most exciting place in the U.S.? Maybe.' Aviv at 1 Hotel South Beach Where: 2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach Opening: March 14 Reservations: Resy; reservations open at 10 a.m. March 3 Hours: Open daily for dinner at 5 p.m. More information:
