Mattarello (rolling pin in Italian), is a remarkable successful project from Adi Peretz, an ambitious resident of Kibbutz Ein Zivan in the Golan Heights. Formerly an events, nature, and food photographer, Perez pivoted from his camera to transform his baking passion into a thriving business. He started by baking bread and pastries for fellow kibbutz members and during the COVID-19 lockdown, he honed his skills crafting croissants, taking an online course by renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel. His pastry shop has since become a revered pastry destination, earning a reputation as one of Israel’s best.

Nurit Poran notes, “The Golan Heights serves as an inspiration for Adi’s pastries. In his croissants and sandwiches, Adi ingeniously incorporates fresh apples from Ein Zivan orchards, truffle mushrooms from Ilsar, caviar and trout from Kibbutz Dan, foraged mushrooms, Golan orchard cherries, and other locally sourced ingredients. The result is truly commendable.”

around 20 pastries crafted from laminated croissant dough. photo by: Noam Preisman

Mattarello’s meticulously curated menu boasts around 20 Viennoiserie pastries crafted from laminated croissant dough with sweet fillings like pistachio praline, vanilla and mixed berry coulis, lemon curd and rosemary. More savory options include croissant sandwiches with scrambled eggs and parmesan, and grilled croissants with crème fraîche, raw barramundi fish and black caviar.