I am coming to Israel in about 10 days for a 2-week trip. A week of that is a charity bike ride through Southern Israel (Jerusalem to Eilat). I’ll be there with my tandem riding partner (I’m mostly blind and can’t ride solo). Before the ride we’ll be on our own in Tel Aviv for about a day and a half, then in Jerusalem for 4 days after. One of the Jerusalem days will be spent on a small group tour to Masada.
I’ve already chatted with friends who have lived there in the past, and some who’ve visited recently. I know about a lot of the major destinations, like the main shuks, the boardwalk in TA, the Old City in J, etc.
What I’d love are some specific recommendations for restaurants, bars, music venues, etc. Best ice cream, pastries, hummus? Hole in the wall type places are great, if the food is good and the neighborhood is safe. No dance clubs, please–our wives are staying home to earn money to pay for this adventure, and we’re too old to deal with that kind of thing even if they were coming with us.
Any interesting things to see or do that aren’t already on all the tourist maps?
Incidentally, my Hebrew is very limited. My friend knows way more grammar than I do, because he studied Biblical Hebrew in seminary, but can’t speak it at all. Did I mention he’s an ordained minister and I’m a blind Jew? It’s like the start of a bad joke to which I don’t have the punchline.
Only went for a few short work trips, so not a whole lot to compare to, but while in Tel Aviv I had some really nice food at Odelia. And the service was very friendly ( think they gave us a couple of extra things for free too, just to make us try them)
Present and accounted for! (**Nava **-- thanks for the heads up)
Rick, firstly welcome to Israel – please contact me (PM) before coming, if possible I’d love to meet your riding partner and you.
Regarding food and bars – Do you keep Kosher? I’ll be able to give you recommendations once I know; since I don’t, most of my ready recommendations would not be kosher, but I have a few ideas if you do keep Kosher as well.
Regarding music venues – a bit about your musical tastes would help me gander a look at an events calendar and actually have a chance of suggesting something you’ll like Also, you didn’t mention when you’ll be in Israel, and which days you have free.
If you prefer not to give out too much personal information, again, feel free to PM me.
Sorry for not coming up with specifics yet – hopefully I’ll be more helpful with a bit more data!
I don’t eat pork, shellfish, or cheeseburgers, but I don’t require a hechsher on anything.
My personal musical taste is eclectic, but I am a little past the age of head-banging. My friend likes rock (he plays bass), and doesn’t like singer-songwriter-with-an-acoustic-guitar types. I’ll talk to him and get more specifics.
In TA evening of 4/21 and all-day 4/22. Unscheduled in Jerusalem 5/2-5/4 (our flight is out Saturday night).
There’s an old Yemenite baker who makes the most delicious bread in the world on Yoel Street in the Beit Yisrael Neighborhood in Jerusalem. He’s located around here: Google Maps
You can ask around for the yemenite baker - everyone knows him.
Darna and Eucalyptus are both interesting restaurants. Both have really interesting food. The decor at Darna is super cool. Both are expensive though.
Tmol Shilshom is a pretty cool cafe/bookstore hidden somewhere in the Nachlaot area. It’s in an alley behind a courtyard hidden in another alley. The soups are great.
Last one: Ticho House. I’ve never been but I heard that the food’s great and the music isn’t bad either. Also, the grounds are supposed to be beautiful.
(**Nava **-- thanks for the heads up)