A Fork And A Suitcase

Two things happened to me in Israel; I became a huge fan of Yemenite and Bukharan cuisines, and I discovered that a few mint leaves in my tea create a spectacular drink.  Mind you, the mint tea has been a very popular drink in Israel for ages, I just never thought that I would enjoy it. After enjoying the delicious chicken soup at Shimon  - the King of Soups near the Carmel Market, I became fixated on tasting a wider variety of dishes prepared in the Yemenite Jewish tradition.  I didn't have to look very far since Saluf and Sons, a hugely popular Yemenite restaurant in Tel Aviv, was right in our neighborhood.  This restaurant had a very hip vibe with loud music, trendy décor, and a nicely put together menu, a big difference from the Yemenite Quarter restaurants which were much more modest and homey. The menu at Saluf & Sons covers all the basics of Yemenite cuisine with a few modern touches. We started off with this delicious kubaneh - traditiona...

We have been to Shuk HaNamal countless times, I even covered it  here , but each time we have walked by Sherry Herring kiosk without really giving it much thought.  Maybe, because we were heading for lunch or dinner upstairs at The Kitchen Market, or perhaps herring on a baguette did not seem to be terribly appealing.  Then we watched a food show with Phil Rosenthal who was singing praises of this particular combination.  In his typically exaggerated way, he made the herring on a baguette sound like it was the most wondrous delicacy he has ever ingested.  Naturally, we needed to try it for ourselves.  On a beautiful 90 degree day, (oof), we walked along the beach till we reached Port HaNamal.  The crowds were bearable since it was a Thursday, and we were able to peacefully chat with the very helpful Sherry Ansky, chef, cookbook author, and the owner of this fine herring spot. The choice at Sherry Herring is simple; a smoked salmon or a pic...

I am a big fan of Raz Rahav, the young chef behind the spectacular OCD restaurant in the Noga district in Tel Aviv.  About a year ago, Rahav started to hint about a new venture, something much more low-key than his elaborate nine course dinner at OCD.  So, for months I have been following on Instagram as Rahav posted little hints; a photo of a tomato, bread, a yellow duck, etc.  Finally, he announced that he would be opening a sandwich shop on Tchernichovsky street, a few steps away from the very pretty Meir Garden. We were there a few days after Barvazi Urban Sandwich Shop opened, when they were still unpacking boxes and decorating the space.  There was excitement in the air as Rahav himself was chatting with eager costumers and making sure that everything was going smoothly. The menu at Barvazi is simple; sandwiches, fries, coleslaw, and ice cream for dessert. We ordered two sandwiches, the roast beef with avocado, roasted pepper cream, and pickles, an...

It's safe to say that I can eat my weight in hummus, falafel, and shawarma, but after a certain time, I do crave something totally different.  I have been longing for sushi or ramen in the worst way, and my husband came through for me, as he always does.  While walking back home from a meeting, he stumbled upon a lovely residential neighborhood of Basel in the Old North of Tel Aviv.  Basel, named after Basel, Switzerland, where the first Zionist congress took place in 1897, is not a touristy area, but is well worth a visit.  Ze Sushi is located on Basel Square, an area filled with restaurants, boutiques, cafes, gourmet shops, restaurants, and many maternity and baby stores. Ze Sushi has some tables inside the restaurant and in the enclosed outside area. I only took a few photos of the extensive menu, which offers a nice variety of freshly prepared dishes. We really enjoyed our salads and sushi.  Interestingly, this was the first time that ...

I have been to Israel over ten times since 1989 and I still marvel when I discover something new.  My first time visiting Zichron Yaakov was this past summer, and I was taken by its beauty, simplicity, and charm. The hills, beautiful coastal views, a nice pedestrian street, the art galleries, wonderful restaurants, the ice cream shops, vineyards, pretty little boutiques; it all has a very quaint California vibe.  This picturesque town which is located just a touch over 40 miles north from Tel Aviv, will have you under its spell in no time.  The two museums that we have visited are: First Aliyah Museum (not pictured) and The Aaronsohn House (below). The Aaronsohn House contains the story of the fist Jewish underground called NILI, which operated in the country during WWI. There are plenty of great restaurants in Zichron Yaakov.   Tishbi Winery and Restaurant, which is located on the pedestrian street. ...