Kosher French Chef Reinvents Butter and Cheese

Olivia Ostrow, a restaurateur and Food Network contestant, is challenging traditional French culinary practices with her kosher restaurant, Maison Ostrow, located in South Florida. Her establishment adheres to kosher dietary laws, which means dairy cannot be incorporated into meat-based dishes—a significant hurdle in a cuisine renowned for its liberal use of butter, cream, and cheese.

Ostrow and her team have ingeniously overcome these restrictions by developing their own non-dairy butter and cheese alternatives. They offer about seven varieties of house-made butter substitutes, including truffle and spicy flavors. Recreating classic French dishes like steak au poivre, which traditionally features a creamy sauce, or achieving the texture of mascarpone for tiramisu, presents ongoing culinary puzzles.

The effort involved in adapting these recipes is substantial, with chefs dedicating hours to perfecting sauces and substitutes. This commitment to kosher authenticity extends to ensuring that every creation meets high standards, comparable to traditional Parisian establishments. Ostrow views her kosher restaurant as a public expression of her Jewish identity, particularly strengthened after the events of October 7, 2023.

Beyond Maison Ostrow, the chef is expanding her culinary reach with concepts like Maison Baguette, Ostrow Privé for private jets and yachts, and a grab-and-go airport service. These ventures reflect a growing business dedicated to bringing her unique approach to French-inspired kosher dining to a wider audience.