First lady Michal Herzog is sharing culinary secrets from the President’s residence in a special Independence Day episode of “Garlic, Pepper and Olive Oil,” set to air on Kan 11, operated by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation and its official app Kan Box.
In the program, Michal Herzog joins chef Haim Cohen for a festive meal, reflecting on childhood memories, her family’s travels abroad as the daughter of a military attaché, and how she met Isaac Herzog during their military service.
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Michal Herzog on "Garlic, Pepper and Olive Oil" with chef Haim Cohen
(Photo: Courtesy of Kan 11, Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation)
Despite his formal public image, Herzog reveals that the president’s preferred dish to prepare for family meals is grilled meat. She also notes the strong influence of his mother, Ora Herzog, on the family’s menu and the culture of hospitality in the home where he grew up.
“Weekend meals are how we preserve family time,” she says candidly. “We always say that, in that sense, Shabbat saves family life. That was also true in President Isaac Herzog’s family, which was very public.”
Herzog also discusses official meals at the President’s Residence and recalls the unexpected fondness of Switzerland’s president for shakshuka. “All he remembers from his visit is the shakshuka, and he’s already looking forward to coming back,” she says. Alongside intimate meals, the residence also hosts state dinners with dozens of guests in its main hall.
Speaking about those formal events, she adds, “Sometimes you need to keep things light. At the end of the day, people love good, authentic food.” Herzog shares that meals often begin with Israeli staples such as chopped salad, hummus and falafel, and she highlights the high-quality produce available at the nearby Mahane Yehuda market.
For the episode, Herzog invited a special guest, Merav Leshem Gonen, the mother of former hostage Romi Gonen, who spoke about the bond formed between them since October 7.
“Garlic, Pepper and Olive Oil,” which first aired in 1995, is considered a pioneer of Israeli cooking shows. Its new season is part of celebrations marking 90 years of public broadcasting.
The episode airs on Independence Day, Wednesday, April 22, at 5 p.m. on Kan 11 and Kan Box.