On the menu today is falafel, tahini, roasted eggplant (made in two ways) and tabouleh salad and everyone in the group is dying to don their apron and get to work. Andt that’s the beauty of Loca Local - whether you’re a pro or a beginner it doesn’t matter - and the fact that I’m cooking with a professional chef and a food blogger is all part of the fun…
And, trust me, as you stare at the lush green lawns, surrounded by immaculately-tended flower beds, the glittering gold dome of the Shrine of the Bab and the turquoise blue of the Mediterranean, you’ll begin to understand the allure. The dome in the mid section of the gardens actually holds the remains of the Bab…the gardens are designed in an eclectic style, fusing the tradition of the East with the proportions of the West. (Italian stone, and precise symmetry).
The Scrolls are considered to be of extraordinary importance due to the tremendous insight they give us into Jewish society in Israel during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, as well as the origins of rabbinical Judaism. Written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, they encompass a variety of subjects and literary styles. They also include fragments of manuscripts from almost every book in the Hebrew Bible...
The kids seem to love it though…and over the course of three hours rotate from one activity to another. After basketball there’s lacrosse, then football (or soccer as the Yanks call it!), followed by banner-painting, bouncy castles and face-painting. And, least I forget, volunteers are running popcorn and candy floss stands which are, of course, an enormous hit...
Walking around Floretin, you'll notice how much of the artwork you see if painted on the gates and doors of businesses. Most of the artists are anonymous but a trained eye can spot signature pieces, according to themes. Edgy, creative and often very provocative, enjoy the wildlife, cubes and even Alice in Wonderland on your wanderings...
With its maze of one-way streets, public transport is scare, which makes Florentin a great place to explore on foot. Don’t miss the fabulous Levinsky Market (selling spices, nuts, grains, olives etc, Anita - a legendary ice cream shop (think fig, halva and date flavours), complete with chandelier, and bespoke furniture stores...
Tucked away in a tiny, secluded courtyard, close to Jaffa’s famous Clock Tower, you’ll find this ‘garden wine bar.’ This is a real local’s place, that serves as a deli in the day (cheeses, pates, breads, olives, etc.) and a wine bar/food joint by night. Great atmosphere, very laid back and an easy place to fall into conversation with other customers...
There’s some serious mixology going on at this bar, with owners Daniel and Ben offering a friendly yet intimate service to their patrons. Every cocktail you’ll drink here is creatively made, and beautifully presented, and the Carribean decor (pineapples and palm trees) is great fun too! Try the ‘Red Nose’ (gin, rum, clover bitters, hot chilli syrup and smoked paprika...)
Look around - you'll see small pools of water, strange-looking algae and astonishing rock formations not to mention clusters of Poplar trees in abundance. And then, before you know it, the canyon walls will have "closed in" on you and the sight before your eyes will make you sigh - an enormous pool of water, at the end of which is a waterfall of over 15 metres high...
The building itself was designed by Ron Arad, one of Israel’s most acclaimed architects and industrial designers and, in itself, is worth taking a look at. Consiting of five sinuous bands of varying shades of weathered steel, they come together to form a ‘visual key.’ As Arad intended, they bring the visitors into the building, through it and then out, and the bands act as a cord...
This 1920’s-style ‘Speakeasy meets Great Gatsby’ is uber-hip, with the bar staff as well-dressed as they are expert at mixology. Bellyboy Bar markets itself as a unique concept bar, with cocktails served in seashells and bathtubs (yes, I know it sounds bizarre but you have to see it to believe it!) and chasers served to guests out of a baby stroller that tours the lounge...
Located on 223 Dizengoff, this has got to be is one of the most stylish and atmospheric cocktail bars in the area. With its jazz and swing background music, and waiters in suspenders and bow ties, it’s designed to look like a New York ‘Speakeasy’ during Prohibition Era. Renown for its drinks, the professionally trained are all experts in ‘mixology...’
Today, it is run under the auspices of the Archbishop of Vienna but endeavours to be known as a meeting ground for different peoples - after all, it lies in close proximity to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western (Wailing) Wall and the the Dome of the Rock, all extraordinarily holy places for Christians, Jews and Muslims...
Falafel in Israel isn’t just these little balls though - it’s also a dish in its own right, and usually served in a pitta bread, stuffed with all sorts of delicious salads and sauces. These might include picked vegetables, as well as fried aubergine slices, tomatoes and onions and tahini - a creamy sesame seed paste...
The house has an enormous library - and I mean enormous - with over 20,000 books. Ben Gurion spoke and read several languages, and his tastes were eclectic (reflected in his volumes of books). The house also showcases quite a few interesting letters to and from the man himself to Churchill, Einstein, etc.
Neve Tsedek was, in fact, the first Jewish neighbourhood built outside the port of Jaffa, as far back as 1887. With people desperate to escape overcrowding, they moved south and built colourful buildings with low roofs. Soon, the area was attracting a host of artists and writers (including the Israeli Nobel Prize- winning author Shai Agnon...)
With giant art installations, trance music that rocks the desert stillness for days on end, or 'hugging areas,' creativity is the name of the game. Enormous emphasis is also placed on teamwork and community spirit - whether you're camping 'freestyle' or part of a an organised camp, you're expected to contribute, voluntarily...
