Simona El-Harar grew up with influences that spanned borders. She was born in Israel to Moroccan parents. That background meant her childhood was naturally filled with flavors from across the Mediterranean. It wasn't about studying food. It was just life.
She eventually brought those traditions to Brussels. In 2012 she and her partner Tim Grosvenor opened Kitchen 151. It is a Mediterranean Fusion spot right in the city center. She doesn't just stay behind the pass though. She teaches popular cookery classes and works as a private chef for clients who want a personal touch.
Her journey has been noticed back home as well. She was the subject of a documentary about her life in the kitchen. It was filmed with Barak Yehezkeli, who is a celebrated chef in Israel.
Simona's Story
Simona's Books
Street Food
Simona El-Harar believes the best food often requires using your hands. Her book Street Food gathers 75 recipes that reflect this tactile approach to eating. The collection draws from the Levant and the broader Mediterranean.
She simplifies classics from places like Yemen, Turkey, and Tunisia so they work in a home kitchen. You will find staples like hummus alongside specific regional dishes like Musakhan chicken or a cardamom-infused dessert. It is about creating a mezze table where guests can share simple, vibrant plates. Each recipe focuses on smell and color rather than complicated techniques.
