Without getting into politics, there are a ridiculous amount of misconceptions surrounding Israel. While the news might leave you thinking that it’s dangerous, Tel Aviv and even Jerusalem are fantastic and perfectly safe places to travel. Tel Aviv is more like a mini New York City than anything else. It’s so vibrant; in fact I’m seriously considering relocating from Manhattan for a few months (life writing by the beach sounds pretty good…). Not only are the people full of life, there is a tremendous amount of culture – and I’m talking beyond museums, beach life, and religious sites. There are concerts, large-scale sporting events (including Nike-sponsored races and marathons), countless bars and nightclubs (many of which could give NYC a run for their money), and more amazing food than you can imagine. I spent the last week eating my way through Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and it was worth every pound gained!
The image above was taken at La Regence at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. First off King David is THE hotel to stay in when in Jerusalem. Every major politician including Obama has stayed there and it’s posh while being wholly welcoming. The service is also fantastic. Plus you can’t top the location and views – my room looked out to their pool, tennis court, and the Western Wall. They have a few places to dine, but the most awe-inspiring is undoubtedly La Regence. I had the 12-course tasting menu which would be incredible in any scenario but especially considering that it’s Glatt Kosher. Some of my fave dishes are pictured above including a dessert made with olive oil palettes and a cocoa cracker topped with foie gras.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you can find amazing street food. Machane Yehuda is Jerusalem’s market and trust me when I say you could spend all day tasting your way through the stalls and neighboring eateries. Above is just a small view of what I tasted. Everything was delicious..seriously, everything! But the standout was the halva, which tastes nothing like any of the ones I’ve tasted in the States. Not only did it come in a slew of varieties, the texture was melt-in-your mouth delicious. There’s also a lively chef restaurant of the same name (Machne Yuda), that’s adjacent to the market. The food is delicious and makes use of all the local flavors and delicacies. Unrelated to food, you can’t leave Jerusalem without going to the Western Wall and Yad Vashem, which is widely considered the world’s most impressive Holocaust museum.
Tel Aviv is a bustling city where you can also find delicious street food. The Carmel Market has wonderful falafel, spices, juices, pastries, and more; but you can also find international cuisines. One of the hot spots of the moment is called Vicky Cristina and it’s a tapas restaurant. The above is a deconstructed cream cheese and lox bagel I had there. Similarly Taizu is a trendy fusion restaurant; their bread is a cross between a pork bun consistency and challah. My favorite, however, was Brothers, a laid-back but always busy restaurant where you can get Israeli classics and pretty much the best pita and hummus I’ve ever tried in my life. While there, I stayed at Harods, a centrally located hotel that’s right on the beach. Note also that Israeli breakfast is a big thing so don’t skip it and make sure it’s included when you’re making your reservation.
If you get the chance to take a side trip, Uri Buri is a must. Located by the water in Acre, you could go for a night and stay at the nearby hotel which is owned by Uri and is similarly beautiful. The seafood here, pictured above, gives Le Bernardin a run for its money. Some highlights from the above include wasabi ice cream, seaweed wrapped salmon, and dried watermelon!
My trip took place in November, which is winter in Israel but even so is relatively warm. Summers can get very hot so the best times to travel are March through end of June and then September through end of November. Also note that the majority of people in Tel Aviv are not at all religious and most restaurants aren’t kosher; this is a trip as suited for Jews as it is for people who are secular and you can have fun at any age or with any budget.
**If you’re looking for a guide or help planning your trip email ayeletours@gmail.com for a great experience!
