Café Mizrahi 12 Hashezif St Jerusalem, Israel
972 2 624219
My son and I were in Jerusalem for my granddaughter’s wedding. It was a most joyous occasion. The singing and dancing at the wedding was a memorable experience. The wandering violinist played music from Fiddler On The Roof during the reception. The klezmer band had the young men and ladies dancing and stomping their feet while whirling around in circles. I will never forget it all.
My son and I also explored the wonders of this magnificent city. Our hotel was close to the enormous market (shuk) The fruits and vegetables are so fresh and colorful. Other stalls sell breads, olive oils, olives and cheese. It is enormous and the produce is so tempting. The fresh dates were the size of my small finger and the nuts, candy, and breads were all beckoning.
In the evening the stalls were all closed and the place had a forlorn appearance. Go to the south eastern corner of the market. Walk west two lanes and go north one lane. In this area you will discover several restaurants that are buzzing at night with young folk. We were so excited to discover this café. There are only a few tables outdoors and also inside. It has an atmosphere that is different from the fancy cafes on the street. We found it exciting to be sitting in this little café in a closed market.
Joni was our server and made us feel welcome. I was not surprised to hear he is a graphic designer. He charmed us. Joni told us this was the first restaurant in the market started 8 years ago.
Jerusalem is a kosher city so you will find separate dairy restaurants and meat restaurants.
For a tiny spot we were amazed at the possible choices. Ray ordered the Pasta Special. Fresh Pasta with Jerusalem Artichoke, leek, hyssop and cram was declared to be outstanding. (48 shekels) This translates to less than $16.00. Fish Kebab was also offered. It is wrapped in a market’s laffa with yogurt, ray tahini, parsley, tomato, radish, red onion, rocket, green chili and preserved lemons (64 shekels or about $22.) Whenever I go to Israel I have to have a daily feed of my favorite Shashooka. It is made from fresh market vegetables with two poached eggs and served in a hot casserole. It is very much like Mexican eggs.(44 shekels) Hand Made Gnocchi is prepared with asparagus, chestnuts, cream and truffle paste.(62 shekels)
Israelis love salads and you can see them enjoying enormous salads any time of the day or evening. Yaya’s Salad is composed of spinach and bok choy leaves, julienne of kohirabi, apple, beet root, carrot, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, cranberries, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, olive oil, lemon, yogurt and raw tahini.(53 shekels)
Sandwiches are always an option. The breads in Israel are so delicious. Camembert & Warm Mushroom Sandwich is a specialty.(38 shekels) Russel’s ‘Flut’ is prepared with olive oil and grated tomato, brinza cheese and olives.(24 shekels.)
The olive oil, fresh vegetables and fruits are so delicious and obviously purchased right in the market. The flavors burst on the palate.
The Chocolate Pie was the crowning glory. It was silken smooth and very chocolate tasting. We crawled back to our hotel satisfied with a stunning day in Jerusalem topped off by our meal at this tiny café.
Pasta Basta in the Jerusalem Market
My son and I ventured back to the Jerusalem Market for a second time for dinner. Pasta Basta had been recommended by my granddaughter who lives in Jerusalem. It is the busiest spot in town and the pasta is fresh and absolutely fantastic. Once again there are very few tables and the hustle and bustle around this place is such fun. The title in Hebrew is translated to mean a lot of pasta or sufficient pasta.
You choose Penne, Fettuccini or Whole Wheat Fettuccini.
One group of sauces is 19 shekels. That translates to around $6.00. Tomatoes, cream, butter and parmesan and ali olio is available.
More exotic sauces are 23 shekels and include pesto, red pesto, 4 cheeses or thick beetroot sauce.
Now add any of your favorite ingredients. We both chose some grilled aubergine. ($1.50) Spinach, olives, mushrooms and sweet potato are some of the additional choices.
Every pasta dish is topped with parmesan cheese.
It is such fun to watch the pasta being prepared. The young server was rushed off her feet delivering the orders to the table. The pasta was al dente and so fresh. The sauces were fantastic. It all seemed to melt in my mouth.
The Tomato Soup and Lentil Soup (16 shekels) were very popular on this evening. A Green Salad was being enjoyed by many of the clients.
Desserts included Panna Cotta, Tiramisu. Fabrizio’s Chocoalte Cake and Sorbet.
We enjoyed some delicious Israeli wine.
The food was as authentic as any café in Italy. It was such a wonderful experience to travel with my son. I was totally rejuvenated. The food was a feast and I will have happy memories of this visit for a long time.
The total meal including wine was no more than $30.00 for 2 people. How could you ever top that?
Friday, November 11, 2011
Cafe Landwer
Café Landwer Tel Aviv Israel
I can’t even give you an address because it is in a park. Everyone knows the dog park (Meir Park) on King George Street between the Dizengoff Centre and the Market. The park is large and quite beautiful. A small section of the park is for dogs and any time of the day you can see hundreds of dogs running around. There is a path that takes you on a scenic route through the park. On the path just off King George there is a delightful cafe. You can sit on the large terrace or indoors. The only thing that disturbed us was when a loud siren went off in the middle of our meal. Nobody knew what to make of it. We had not been made aware that Tel Aviv was having some practice military sessions. That was an experience. My son and I were meeting a good friend of mine who lives up in the Galilee. She came by train to meet us and we were thrilled.
Apparently the Landwer family went into the coffee business as soon as they arrived in Israel. They also have several other cafes in Tel Aviv. This café is well situated to give you the splendor of the park as well as the flavors of the food.
We enjoyed speaking with Emily, our server. She is also an actor. I would love to see her on the stage. She was adorable and added to the positive experience.
We were meeting for breakfast so didn’t want anything too heavy. The Focaccia Bread is baked in a taboon oven. Several special Focaccia specials are offered and served with a green salad. Napolitana offers tomato sauce, mozzarella and oregano for 42 shekels. (About $14.00) The Grilled Vegetables and Goat Cheese is topped with a selection of grilled vegetables, garlic confit, spring onions and basil (47 shekels) The Goat Cheese and Eggplant is a combination of goat cheese, grilled pepper, grilled eggplant, cucumber, spring onion, tomato, lettuce and balsamic vinegar.(45 shekels)
The Health Salad is just what it states. Cherry Tomatoes, carrot, quinoa, green mix, red cabbage, broccoli, sweet pepper, Tsfatit cheese, mint, green onion and sunflower seeds are mixed with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil dressing. It is served with a raw sesame paste. (47 shekels) Delicious.
My guest enjoyed an enormous bowl of Landwer’s Mueseli. Delicious yogurt was served with granola, seasonal fruit and honey.(35 shekels)
My most favorite Shashooka is served with chopped vegetable salad, bread basket and spicy tahini.(45 shekels) Eggs are cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. The portion is usually served in a hot casserole dish.
Rustic Vegetable Frittata is an Italian omelette with fresh vegetables and herbs prepared in the brick oven. It is served with a ‘morning’ salad of cucumbers, mint yogurt, roasted peppers, tahini, bread and butter. Fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee is included.(56 shekels)
Café Landwer also has different locations in Tel Aviv. I like this spot in the park. Every time I go to Tel Aviv I discover new hidden spots. This is a gem.
I can’t even give you an address because it is in a park. Everyone knows the dog park (Meir Park) on King George Street between the Dizengoff Centre and the Market. The park is large and quite beautiful. A small section of the park is for dogs and any time of the day you can see hundreds of dogs running around. There is a path that takes you on a scenic route through the park. On the path just off King George there is a delightful cafe. You can sit on the large terrace or indoors. The only thing that disturbed us was when a loud siren went off in the middle of our meal. Nobody knew what to make of it. We had not been made aware that Tel Aviv was having some practice military sessions. That was an experience. My son and I were meeting a good friend of mine who lives up in the Galilee. She came by train to meet us and we were thrilled.
Apparently the Landwer family went into the coffee business as soon as they arrived in Israel. They also have several other cafes in Tel Aviv. This café is well situated to give you the splendor of the park as well as the flavors of the food.
We enjoyed speaking with Emily, our server. She is also an actor. I would love to see her on the stage. She was adorable and added to the positive experience.
We were meeting for breakfast so didn’t want anything too heavy. The Focaccia Bread is baked in a taboon oven. Several special Focaccia specials are offered and served with a green salad. Napolitana offers tomato sauce, mozzarella and oregano for 42 shekels. (About $14.00) The Grilled Vegetables and Goat Cheese is topped with a selection of grilled vegetables, garlic confit, spring onions and basil (47 shekels) The Goat Cheese and Eggplant is a combination of goat cheese, grilled pepper, grilled eggplant, cucumber, spring onion, tomato, lettuce and balsamic vinegar.(45 shekels)
The Health Salad is just what it states. Cherry Tomatoes, carrot, quinoa, green mix, red cabbage, broccoli, sweet pepper, Tsfatit cheese, mint, green onion and sunflower seeds are mixed with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil dressing. It is served with a raw sesame paste. (47 shekels) Delicious.
My guest enjoyed an enormous bowl of Landwer’s Mueseli. Delicious yogurt was served with granola, seasonal fruit and honey.(35 shekels)
My most favorite Shashooka is served with chopped vegetable salad, bread basket and spicy tahini.(45 shekels) Eggs are cooked in a spicy tomato sauce. The portion is usually served in a hot casserole dish.
Rustic Vegetable Frittata is an Italian omelette with fresh vegetables and herbs prepared in the brick oven. It is served with a ‘morning’ salad of cucumbers, mint yogurt, roasted peppers, tahini, bread and butter. Fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee is included.(56 shekels)
Café Landwer also has different locations in Tel Aviv. I like this spot in the park. Every time I go to Tel Aviv I discover new hidden spots. This is a gem.
Manta Ray
Manta Ray situated on the Alma Beach near the Dan Panorama Hotel
Tel Aviv 03 517 4773
I wish I could be more definitive about the address but all my information was in Hebrew. It is a large pavilion on the sea. Any cab will know this place and when you make a reservation you will be given better instructions. It was my last night in Israel. My friend is a bassoon player with the Tel Aviv Philharmonic. She invited me to dinner and I was delighted to meet her very handsome charming husband. We agreed to meet early on a Friday because my friend had played in a concert and needed to unwind and dine before calling it an evening. They wanted me to experience one of their favorite restaurants. Apparently it is considered one of the top 10 restaurants in the city. A window by the sea side was booked. We arrived at 5:00 p.m. to find the place fully packed. Apparently from 9:00 a.m. it is always busy. You must have a reservation. We had the last table and sure enough it overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. It was raining and the surf was crashing ashore. We did manage to see a red sunset. It was quite wonderful
The restaurant is known for its outstanding food. David looked after us in style. At dinner time a large platter with 12 different appetizers is presented to the table. You choose whatever you like. This is such a wonderful idea because you can see what is offered.
We shared a Marinated Eggplant dish, Tzazicki, Tuna Carpaccio, Beets and wonderful Foccaccia bread.
I was elated to see Tuna on the menu. It is my favorite food. The fish was grilled to perfection and sat on a sauce that was fruity and tasty. The shaved asparagus was a wonderful.addition to the plate.
My friends each had Sea food dishes with Shrimp and Scallops.
Tel Aviv 03 517 4773
I wish I could be more definitive about the address but all my information was in Hebrew. It is a large pavilion on the sea. Any cab will know this place and when you make a reservation you will be given better instructions. It was my last night in Israel. My friend is a bassoon player with the Tel Aviv Philharmonic. She invited me to dinner and I was delighted to meet her very handsome charming husband. We agreed to meet early on a Friday because my friend had played in a concert and needed to unwind and dine before calling it an evening. They wanted me to experience one of their favorite restaurants. Apparently it is considered one of the top 10 restaurants in the city. A window by the sea side was booked. We arrived at 5:00 p.m. to find the place fully packed. Apparently from 9:00 a.m. it is always busy. You must have a reservation. We had the last table and sure enough it overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. It was raining and the surf was crashing ashore. We did manage to see a red sunset. It was quite wonderful
The restaurant is known for its outstanding food. David looked after us in style. At dinner time a large platter with 12 different appetizers is presented to the table. You choose whatever you like. This is such a wonderful idea because you can see what is offered.
We shared a Marinated Eggplant dish, Tzazicki, Tuna Carpaccio, Beets and wonderful Foccaccia bread.
I was elated to see Tuna on the menu. It is my favorite food. The fish was grilled to perfection and sat on a sauce that was fruity and tasty. The shaved asparagus was a wonderful.addition to the plate.
My friends each had Sea food dishes with Shrimp and Scallops.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Martha Marcy May Marlene
I was leaving the next day for Israel and wanted a little film to pass the time. I had not counted on a thriller that kept me anxious and agitated throughout. The film has already won awards at Sundance and Cannes. It is extremely well done and the actors are superb but I was sitting on the edge of my seat wishing it would all be over. When it did end I was very surprised with the abruptness that left you wondering what really was going to happen.
Elizabeth Olsen plays the part of Martha. She is the younger sister of the Olsen twins and it would seem as if she might have all the talent. Her beautiful face looks troubled and sullen throughout this shocking film.
Martha has been living in a cult. The initiation rites were disturbing. The new women are drugged and raped. The women sit in the background while the horrible men eat at the table. After the men are finished the women are allowed to eat. The women sleep on the floor in one large room. Needless to say their life is not a happy one. They rob fancy houses in the neighborhood.
Martha runs away and contacts her sister Lucy. Lucy is living a wonderful middle class life style. She is married to a wealthy English architect. They live in style and are happy with one another.
Martha’s arrival in the household unsettles the tranquility and the happy relationship of the couple. Martha leads her sister to believe she has left an abusive boyfriend. She won’t talk about her last two years when she was totally out of contact with her sister.
Martha is morbid and confused. She lashes out at a bartender during a big party given by Lucy and her husband.
The film takes you back and forth from her cult life to the present time when Martha is trying to adjust to a new life style.
Her mental health deteriorates until her sister and husband fear for her and themselves. The movie ends abruptly and you can imagine whatever you like as to what might happen.
I was leaving the next day for Israel and wanted a little film to pass the time. I had not counted on a thriller that kept me anxious and agitated throughout. The film has already won awards at Sundance and Cannes. It is extremely well done and the actors are superb but I was sitting on the edge of my seat wishing it would all be over. When it did end I was very surprised with the abruptness that left you wondering what really was going to happen.
Elizabeth Olsen plays the part of Martha. She is the younger sister of the Olsen twins and it would seem as if she might have all the talent. Her beautiful face looks troubled and sullen throughout this shocking film.
Martha has been living in a cult. The initiation rites were disturbing. The new women are drugged and raped. The women sit in the background while the horrible men eat at the table. After the men are finished the women are allowed to eat. The women sleep on the floor in one large room. Needless to say their life is not a happy one. They rob fancy houses in the neighborhood.
Martha runs away and contacts her sister Lucy. Lucy is living a wonderful middle class life style. She is married to a wealthy English architect. They live in style and are happy with one another.
Martha’s arrival in the household unsettles the tranquility and the happy relationship of the couple. Martha leads her sister to believe she has left an abusive boyfriend. She won’t talk about her last two years when she was totally out of contact with her sister.
Martha is morbid and confused. She lashes out at a bartender during a big party given by Lucy and her husband.
The film takes you back and forth from her cult life to the present time when Martha is trying to adjust to a new life style.
Her mental health deteriorates until her sister and husband fear for her and themselves. The movie ends abruptly and you can imagine whatever you like as to what might happen.
Om
Om 1438 corner of Jameson and Queen St West
416 532 3901
After the final Om has been chanted from your yoga class head out to this ethereal low key wondrous restaurant. The Indian and Tibetan food is freshly prepared and superb in flavor.
The dark brown walls and brown tablecloths add to the serene atmosphere. One server managed to look after everyone with a smile on his face. I can’t imagine how he did it. The place was full. It was obvious they were all regulars and nobody had a reservation. Our server actually chuckled and asked if I was the person who had the reservation.
This is low key in atmosphere but the highest quality of food. It was also very busy with take outs. We traveled a long way to get there and would do it again at the first opportunity. We were fascinated to hear the owner tell us about his arrival here from Tibet to India and then Canada. This is a small family operation doing a big business. I wish them the best.
The Indian bread arrived at our table as soon as we did. It was so thin and actually melted in my mouth. My friend and I devoured it all before we even had ordered.
The Tandoori Fish was boneless salmon marinated in yogurt and ground spices cooked in a tandoori oven.($11.99) It was served with sizzling vegetables on a hot iron plate. The fish was flavorful and totally enjoyed.
We were tempted with the Tandoori Shrimp.($12.99) They will be saved for our next visit.
The Aloo Gobi was spectacular.($7.99) Cauliflower and potatoes are cooked in aromatic spices. The cauliflower still had some crunch to it and the aromatic spices had just a little zing on the palate.
My dining companion and I laughed at the thought that we were getting ecstatic over the Vegetable Biryani Rice.($7.99) After all it is only cooked rice. Every grain of rice was firm yet cooked. The flavor burst on the palate.
This is first rate Indian food prepared by a knowledgeable skillful chef.
Tibet Food is also available on the menu. Phingsha offers sliced beef sautéed with black mushrooms, bean thread noodles and potato.($8.99)
Shaptak offers sliced beef sautéed in green chilli, onion and tomato in a hot sauce.($8.99)
The menu is extensive. There are many suggestions in each category of food. The menu states it all,” We’re better…We’re fresher…We’re tastier”
Om is the satisfying ending to a yoga practice. It was our satisfying evening of fine Indian food in a small informal restaurant. The prices are so economical you could afford to dine here on a daily basis.
416 532 3901
After the final Om has been chanted from your yoga class head out to this ethereal low key wondrous restaurant. The Indian and Tibetan food is freshly prepared and superb in flavor.
The dark brown walls and brown tablecloths add to the serene atmosphere. One server managed to look after everyone with a smile on his face. I can’t imagine how he did it. The place was full. It was obvious they were all regulars and nobody had a reservation. Our server actually chuckled and asked if I was the person who had the reservation.
This is low key in atmosphere but the highest quality of food. It was also very busy with take outs. We traveled a long way to get there and would do it again at the first opportunity. We were fascinated to hear the owner tell us about his arrival here from Tibet to India and then Canada. This is a small family operation doing a big business. I wish them the best.
The Indian bread arrived at our table as soon as we did. It was so thin and actually melted in my mouth. My friend and I devoured it all before we even had ordered.
The Tandoori Fish was boneless salmon marinated in yogurt and ground spices cooked in a tandoori oven.($11.99) It was served with sizzling vegetables on a hot iron plate. The fish was flavorful and totally enjoyed.
We were tempted with the Tandoori Shrimp.($12.99) They will be saved for our next visit.
The Aloo Gobi was spectacular.($7.99) Cauliflower and potatoes are cooked in aromatic spices. The cauliflower still had some crunch to it and the aromatic spices had just a little zing on the palate.
My dining companion and I laughed at the thought that we were getting ecstatic over the Vegetable Biryani Rice.($7.99) After all it is only cooked rice. Every grain of rice was firm yet cooked. The flavor burst on the palate.
This is first rate Indian food prepared by a knowledgeable skillful chef.
Tibet Food is also available on the menu. Phingsha offers sliced beef sautéed with black mushrooms, bean thread noodles and potato.($8.99)
Shaptak offers sliced beef sautéed in green chilli, onion and tomato in a hot sauce.($8.99)
The menu is extensive. There are many suggestions in each category of food. The menu states it all,” We’re better…We’re fresher…We’re tastier”
Om is the satisfying ending to a yoga practice. It was our satisfying evening of fine Indian food in a small informal restaurant. The prices are so economical you could afford to dine here on a daily basis.
Bar Mercurio
Bar Mercurio 270 Bloor St West 416 960 3877
It is such a thrill to be able to take a 5 minute walk to this wonderful establishment and enjoy a great meal. I love the fact it is family owned and operated. Nona is always there to greet the guests and to make you welcome. She is a sweet lady who always has a smile. She also is a talented chef who used to prepare the sauces and do the baking. Today her son Giuseppe or daughter Theresa are the managers. They run around and make sure that all the clientele is satisfied. The food is of exceptional quality and taste. The service is always warm and welcoming. I come away with a big smile and satisfied stomach.
The ambiance is authentic Italian café. Seats at the bar provide a quick meal and the chance to chat with the servers and watch the cooking action.
I was dining with a very special friend. Her son is recuperating from an operation and I thought she needed a little attention. This is a favorite long standing restaurant for her. We love being together and appreciated the little window table that provided the opportunity to have a lengthy quiet conversation while devouring our sumptuous food. I’m surprised we weren’t gently nudged out because we overstayed our visit chatting long after a reasonable time.
The fish of the day was a Baked Salmon.($15.00) I am not exaggerating when I say it was the best piece of salmon I have tasted. It had a peppery topping and the flesh melted in my mouth. The steamed broccoli was crunchy and the fresh flavor lingered on my palate.($15.00) I may even go back for dinner and have another portion. The foccacia bread on the side of the plate is home made and delicious.
My dear friend opted for two appetizers. She thought the Carpaccio Al Modo Toscana($12.00) was fantastic. Thinly sliced beef filet is served on a bed of arugula topped with Parmeggiano chards and honey roasted walnuts.($12.00) The Insalata with beets was presented in a large white bowl with pieces of foccacia bread. The only problem was that she had ordered a large amount of good food and was having trouble consuming it all. What a problem!
The Wood Fired Pizzas are thin and offered with a variety of toppings. They are baked in a wood fired oven. Pizzas vary from $11.99 to $18.00. Pizza Yuppie is a pomodoro, mozzarella, in house smoked salmon with sun-dried tomatoes and chevre cheese.
There are several Omelettes listed on the menu. You can’t go wrong with any one. The eggs are cooked to a creamy light perfection. It is a tasty generous portion.
Pasta is even available in a gluten free rice linguine. Also gluten free rice crust pizza is available .The Pasta suggestions are mouth watering. Delicious.
This is Italian food at its best. The restaurant has been a winner for over 30 years in this location.
I have dined here for many years and there is a reason I keep coming back. For lighter fare try the sister restaurant L’Espresso bar Mercurio across the road.
It is such a thrill to be able to take a 5 minute walk to this wonderful establishment and enjoy a great meal. I love the fact it is family owned and operated. Nona is always there to greet the guests and to make you welcome. She is a sweet lady who always has a smile. She also is a talented chef who used to prepare the sauces and do the baking. Today her son Giuseppe or daughter Theresa are the managers. They run around and make sure that all the clientele is satisfied. The food is of exceptional quality and taste. The service is always warm and welcoming. I come away with a big smile and satisfied stomach.
The ambiance is authentic Italian café. Seats at the bar provide a quick meal and the chance to chat with the servers and watch the cooking action.
I was dining with a very special friend. Her son is recuperating from an operation and I thought she needed a little attention. This is a favorite long standing restaurant for her. We love being together and appreciated the little window table that provided the opportunity to have a lengthy quiet conversation while devouring our sumptuous food. I’m surprised we weren’t gently nudged out because we overstayed our visit chatting long after a reasonable time.
The fish of the day was a Baked Salmon.($15.00) I am not exaggerating when I say it was the best piece of salmon I have tasted. It had a peppery topping and the flesh melted in my mouth. The steamed broccoli was crunchy and the fresh flavor lingered on my palate.($15.00) I may even go back for dinner and have another portion. The foccacia bread on the side of the plate is home made and delicious.
My dear friend opted for two appetizers. She thought the Carpaccio Al Modo Toscana($12.00) was fantastic. Thinly sliced beef filet is served on a bed of arugula topped with Parmeggiano chards and honey roasted walnuts.($12.00) The Insalata with beets was presented in a large white bowl with pieces of foccacia bread. The only problem was that she had ordered a large amount of good food and was having trouble consuming it all. What a problem!
The Wood Fired Pizzas are thin and offered with a variety of toppings. They are baked in a wood fired oven. Pizzas vary from $11.99 to $18.00. Pizza Yuppie is a pomodoro, mozzarella, in house smoked salmon with sun-dried tomatoes and chevre cheese.
There are several Omelettes listed on the menu. You can’t go wrong with any one. The eggs are cooked to a creamy light perfection. It is a tasty generous portion.
Pasta is even available in a gluten free rice linguine. Also gluten free rice crust pizza is available .The Pasta suggestions are mouth watering. Delicious.
This is Italian food at its best. The restaurant has been a winner for over 30 years in this location.
I have dined here for many years and there is a reason I keep coming back. For lighter fare try the sister restaurant L’Espresso bar Mercurio across the road.
Benda Bilili
Benda Bilili
I am off to Israel this weekend and wanted one more film under my belt before I go into withdrawal for a week. This film has been playing at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. I didn’t know much about it but I have always stated that if it plays at that venue it is a prize film. Indeed it was.
Benda Bilili is the leader of a group of musicians in the Congo. Many have had polio and most are in a type of wheel chair or moveable vehicle. They perform on the street and practice in a dusty lot near the local zoo.
Benda plays the guitar and sings. Other instruments are crude but produce magnificent music. One instrument is old milk can with strings. It was amazing to hear the rich quality of the music. Percussion was provided by tapping on a half filled bottle of water. We learn much about the living standards in this part of the Congo. Many of the young kids steal anything in sight. Smoking and drinking are common place.
In the midst of all this poverty this outstanding musical group plays music, sings and dances. The songs are about their life style. They sing about sleeping on cardboard boxes and being poor. Many do not have the full use of their legs and they get on the ground and are able to move around in a break dance type of action.
The filmmaker is amazed with the quality of their music and arranges for them to record. A trip to France and other European countries follows. It is amazing how they were able to travel in their condition. The group has become a world wide phenomenon.
The concerts were big hits. The turnout was tremendous and the audience loved it all.
This is a remarkable group.
Documentaries allow us to learn about extraordinary people.
The film has already played for several weeks so do plan to see it as soon as possible. It is uplifting to see how this ‘raggle taggle’ group was able to accomplish so much. It also gives an insight into the dreadful living conditions of the people living there.
I am off to Israel this weekend and wanted one more film under my belt before I go into withdrawal for a week. This film has been playing at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. I didn’t know much about it but I have always stated that if it plays at that venue it is a prize film. Indeed it was.
Benda Bilili is the leader of a group of musicians in the Congo. Many have had polio and most are in a type of wheel chair or moveable vehicle. They perform on the street and practice in a dusty lot near the local zoo.
Benda plays the guitar and sings. Other instruments are crude but produce magnificent music. One instrument is old milk can with strings. It was amazing to hear the rich quality of the music. Percussion was provided by tapping on a half filled bottle of water. We learn much about the living standards in this part of the Congo. Many of the young kids steal anything in sight. Smoking and drinking are common place.
In the midst of all this poverty this outstanding musical group plays music, sings and dances. The songs are about their life style. They sing about sleeping on cardboard boxes and being poor. Many do not have the full use of their legs and they get on the ground and are able to move around in a break dance type of action.
The filmmaker is amazed with the quality of their music and arranges for them to record. A trip to France and other European countries follows. It is amazing how they were able to travel in their condition. The group has become a world wide phenomenon.
The concerts were big hits. The turnout was tremendous and the audience loved it all.
This is a remarkable group.
Documentaries allow us to learn about extraordinary people.
The film has already played for several weeks so do plan to see it as soon as possible. It is uplifting to see how this ‘raggle taggle’ group was able to accomplish so much. It also gives an insight into the dreadful living conditions of the people living there.
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