Events
Malka & La’Aretz: Serving Food, Serving Hope
Malka Restaurant and La’Aretz Foundation: A Partnership Forged Through Tragedy and Hope.
December 15th, 2024
The grand opening of Malka’s first kosher restaurant in West Palm Beach, aptly named after the Hebrew word for “queen,” was not just an introduction to exquisite Israeli cuisine but also a showcase of resilience, compassion, and community. Behind this groundbreaking venture is a profound partnership between the La’Aretz Foundation and the celebrated Chef Eyal Shani. Together, they have embarked on a journey to support Israeli families impacted by the events of October 7th, the most tragic single day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
The relationship between Chef Shani and the La’Aretz Foundation founders, Shelly and Mike Pitman, is deeply rooted in their shared love for Israel and its people. Shelly Pitman recalls how this collaboration came to life:
“Chef Shani met Mike and me several years ago, and we forged a tight-knit bond. After the events of October 7th, we knew we had to take meaningful action. Chef Shani’s generosity, including opening several new kosher restaurants, has been instrumental in enabling La’Aretz to make an impact during this difficult time. The grand openings of Malka locations in Brooklyn, the Upper West Side, and now West Palm Beach have given us opportunities to grow our community and extend our reach.”
Fans of Chef Shani’s previous restaurants might wonder whether Malka follows in the footsteps of his earlier ventures or brings something entirely new. According to Shelly Pitman, the answer lies in the balance between familiarity and innovation:
“The Jewish community is always thrilled when Malka opens a new location. Our events have consistently been met with rave reviews. Malka’s unique atmosphere and modern architecture—with every design element imported from Israel—create an immersive experience. The cuisine blends traditional flavors with a modern twist, offering delights such as schnitzel, hummus, falafel, and innovative presentations like gold cardboard plates for an elegant yet unconventional touch.”
At the West Palm Beach opening, guests were treated to a feast that included mouthwatering steak and chicken carving stations, potatoes, pizza, eggplant, and other delicacies. The attention to detail in both the food and ambiance left a lasting impression, bringing the essence of Israeli culinary artistry to South Florida.
The collaboration between Malka and the La’Aretz Foundation extends far beyond the dining table. Since the October 7th tragedy, La’Aretz has worked tirelessly to support Israeli families, including those of hostages and displaced individuals. Shelly Pitman highlighted one of their most touching stories:
“We’ve provided direct financial support to families of hostages, including Almog Meir Jan’s family. Almog’s mother was introduced to La’Aretz and received critical assistance during the darkest moments of her life until her son was rescued in June. We remain in close contact with families like hers, continuing to find ways to offer meaningful aid.”
At the West Palm Beach event, emotions ran high as attendees reflected on the bittersweet combination of tragedy and triumph. The restaurant’s modern design and flavorful offerings served as a reminder of resilience and hope, while the presence of individuals like Noi—a young woman soon returning to Israel, where her father is serving on his second term in Gaza—underscored the real-life impact of these efforts.
The partnership between Malka and the La’Aretz Foundation is more than a culinary endeavor; it’s a testament to the power of community, compassion, and collaboration. Shelly Pitman summed up the significance of this relationship:
“We’re incredibly grateful for Chef Shani and the entire Malka team, from New York to Florida. Their dedication has helped La’Aretz expand our reach and provide vital support during a time of great need. Together, we’re not just serving food; we’re serving hope.”
The opening of Malka in West Palm Beach stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when culinary excellence meets a higher purpose. With each plate served and each family supported, Malka and La’Aretz continue to weave a narrative of healing and unity, reminding us all that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of community prevails.
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Luli Fama celebrates its Paradise Found Cruise ’27 swimwear and resortwear collection with a luxury Miami launch at its Dadeland Mall boutique.
August 20, 2026
Miami swimwear favorite Luli Fama is stepping into Cruise ’27 with Paradise Found, a new swimwear and resortwear collection inspired by tropical escapes, exotic prints and effortless vacation glamour.
South Florida Insider has already taken a closer look at the Luli Fama Paradise Found collection, and it feels made for Miami.
The new Cruise ’27 collection combines the bold, body-confident swimwear Luli Fama is known for with elevated resort pieces designed to move effortlessly from the beach and pool to cocktails and dinner.
On Thursday, August 20, Luli Fama will celebrate Paradise Found with an exclusive evening at its newest Dadeland Mall boutique in Miami, complete with fashion, light bites, personalized surprises, and a luxe espresso martini bar.
Inside Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 Collection
Paradise Found is inspired by the feeling of discovering a hidden tropical retreat.
Think lush landscapes, warm golden hour light, exotic patterns, and silhouettes made for somewhere beautiful.
The collection features Luli Fama signatures, including flattering ruched details, seamless construction, adjustable fits, and statement swimwear, alongside an expanded selection of resortwear.
We especially love the pieces that blur the line between swim and ready-to-wear.
Flowing dresses, sleek coverups, and body-skimming silhouettes make it easy to transition from a sun-drenched afternoon to an evening out without losing that relaxed resort feeling.
It is sensual, polished, and unmistakably Miami.
Luli Fama Brings Luxury Resort Style to Miami
There is a reason Paradise Found feels so natural in South Florida.
In Miami, resortwear is not reserved for vacation.
A swimsuit can become part of an outfit. A coverup can take you to lunch. A flowing resort dress can carry you from an afternoon by the water straight into cocktails and dinner.
Luli Fama has always understood that lifestyle.
Paradise Found takes it a step further, creating a Cruise ’27 wardrobe that feels as appropriate for a tropical getaway as it does for a weekend in Miami.
The campaign captures that mood beautifully, pairing the collection with palms, lush greenery, tropical architecture and the kind of sun soaked setting that makes you want to extend your vacation indefinitely.
Paradise Found Comes to Luli Fama at Dadeland Mall
Luli Fama will bring the world of Paradise Found to life on Thursday, August 20 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at its newest boutique at Dadeland Mall in Miami.
The intimate celebration will bring together invited guests, influencers, celebrities and media for an early look at Cruise ’27.
Luli Fama is also dressing invited guests in pieces from the brand, allowing the new collection to be experienced the way it was designed to be worn: in motion, styled and out for the evening.
Luli After Hours Espresso Martini Bar
Fashion is only part of the experience.
For the Paradise Found celebration, Luli Fama is introducing Luli After Hours, an Espresso Martini Bar inspired by the glamour of the collection.
Guests will be able to sip three specialty espresso martinis created for the evening.
The Luli Babe puts a polished spin on the classic espresso martini, while Golden Hour pairs salted caramel with edible gold shimmer. Miami After Dark takes a richer approach with chocolate hazelnut and a cocoa dust finish.
Along with cocktails, guests can expect light bites, curated details and a special personalized surprise.
The result feels less like a traditional retail event and more like checking into a private resort for the evening.
A Miami Swimwear Brand Celebrates at Home
For a brand with such a strong connection to South Florida, launching Paradise Found in Miami feels especially fitting.
Luli Fama has built its identity around colorful, confident swimwear and resort fashion with a distinctly tropical point of view.
Paradise Found carries that identity into Cruise ’27 while giving it a more elevated, escapist mood.
And with Luli Fama’s newest boutique now at Dadeland Mall, Miami shoppers have another destination to experience the brand in person.
After getting our own closer look at Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 collection, we can safely say the name fits.
Paradise has officially been found, and this time, it is in Miami.
Check out the collection HERE
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