A Fork And A Suitcase

This is a list of some of my favorite places and things in Tel Aviv, based on my last visit. Although I love shopping for and making my own breakfast while in Tel Aviv, at times a breakfast that someone else has prepared is a nice treat.  One of my favorite morning meals has to be at Manta Ray  where the view of the Mediterranean sea, and the sounds of the crashing waves and seagulls squawking can't be beat. Lehamim  is my favorite place for breads, sandwiches, salads, cookies, and sinfully decadent brownies.  Their chocolate babka is legendary and has been voted the best in NYC (at Breads Bakery, their NYC location). Their Friday brunch  is terrific as well. Favorites at  the Carmel Market include: My bagel guy My herring guy My beloved strawberry man who sells nothing but the most spectacularly looking and tasting strawberries.  His love for what he does is evident in the way he meticulously arranges each strawberry ...

We love staying in apartments while in Tel Aviv, and usually rent from Airbnb or a local agency.  I like the comfort of a home and the ability to cook, having more space, a balcony, and laundry facilities.  There is a certain amount of risk that is involved in renting an apartment based on photos submitted by the owner or reviews that might possibly be exaggerated, or downright fake.  During this, long-term stay in Tel Aviv, we faced the added risk of possibly renting an apartment that would have something wrong with it and being stuck in it for two months.  In order to avoid this type of a situation, I decided to rent two different apartments, each one for a period of four weeks.  The problem in the first apartment, a lovely modern place with a large balcony and partial view of Rothschild Boulevard, was apparent early on during our stay, but I tried to ignore it.  It was mold.  I could smell it, and I could see it.  The owner kept denying it an...