MIDEASTRO Yorkville 27 Yorkville Ave 4164772427
It may sound like the Leon and Benny show but it is the finest new happening in town. Leon Goldstein hails from Israel but has traveled and lived in many countries before becoming the owner /manager of this chic new establishment.
Benny Cohen is the creative chef behind the exotic food adding an Israeli twist to the gourmet specialties.
I liked everything about this place. Kudos to Leon for designing a functional aesthetic space. This is a huge restaurant. The tables are well spaced. There is room for large parties or tables for 2.The dark wood panels, dark tables and chairs give it a suave elegant look. The washrooms must be visited. State of the art plumbing makes one feel like a special guest. I loved the simplicity. The beautiful wood and décor speaks for itself. One cityscape mural is on the wall at the end of the restaurant. It was so refreshing to see bare walls giving warmth to the establishment.
Benny Cohen likes to cook with fusion spices and the presentations are creative and festive. The portions are very generous. Chef Cohen has even promised to prepare my favorite Israeli dish ‘shoshooka’ on my next visit. Get ready because I am returning.
Our adorable server was Felipe who hails from Columbia and has enjoyed Toronto now for 5 years. He looks like a teenager but was so well versed in the wine menu and the food. I would call this place an inspiration. That is exactly the intention of the management. They wanted to bring something new to the neighborhood.
The artisan bread and three delicious dips start you off with a plus. My friend and I had just been to a depressing film. We wanted an uplifting new experience. We opted for 3 appetizers to share.
The Burrata Salad was prepared with imported soft Italian cheese served with arugula in oregano balsamic vinaigrette. Shaved parmigiano reggiano, heirloom tomatoes and kalamata olives are included. Bruschetta salad glazed with a balsamic pomegranate honey reduction is part of this exotic creation.($25.00) It was a work of art and a delight for the palate. The Nicoise Salad was prepared with fresh tuna and Middle East spices. 6 minute eggs topped the creation.($14.00) We demolished both salads. Felipe insisted on bringing the salads first to enjoy and then we were presented with the hot Baladi Eggplant ($11.00) Grilled whole eggplant is topped with tomato heart salsa, Israeli feta, wild oregano roasted garlic and herb tahina. It looked too good to eat and it tasted too good to leave. Hot Portobello Mushroom and Goat Cheese Salad is prepared with layers of spring mix topped with warm Portobello mushrooms in a balsamic garlic olive oil and served with fried goat cheese puffs and cherry tomatoes.($11.00)
Main offerings are varied and creative. We enjoyed watching the works of art being handed to the hungry clients. Risotto is prepared with a mushroom medley, black truffle, asparagus and green pea.($31.00) Organic Grilled Chicken Breast is marinated in five fresh herbs and citrus and served with fingerling potatoes and grilled vegetable skewers in a chianti vinaigrette. A quick stew of black beluga lentils, spinach and concasse tomatoes completes the dish.($32.00)
Seafood Couscous offers a variety of seafood in white wine, saffron, and bisque sauce, served with homemade traditional couscous.($30.00)
The Israeli style Tiramisu completed our feast. We had such a good time.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Melancholia
Melancholia
My friend and I thoroughly disliked the film. I had to hold her down from leaving. Unfortunately we even made too many nasty comments and the couple in front shushed us up. I did apologize.
Melancholia refers to the state of mind of main character Justine.(Kirsten Dunst) I was not aware that Kirsten Dunst was such a fine actor. We meet her on her wedding day. At first she is gorgeous and all smiling. She and her husband arrive 2 hours late for the reception and everything goes down hill from there. She goes into a melancholic mood and acts very strange. She leaves the reception and wanders around the massive grounds of the castle like estate (her brother-in-law’s home) She drives his golf art around the golf course. She ‘humps’ a young guest on the grounds of the estate. Her new husband even packs his bags and leaves that very evening.
Melancholia also refers to a previously undiscovered planet that is moving into the earth’s radius. The brother-in-law purchases an enormous telescope and also purchases goods to prepare for a disaster.
Justine keeps looking up to the sky and sees a red star. Is this a premonition of disaster? Is her behavior controlled by the terrestrial phenomenon?
The wedding does provide some humor. The father is an older gentleman surrounded by two younger women. The mother is an angry person who shouts out at the reception,” Enjoy it while it lasts. I hate weddings.”
The best man is also Justine’s boss. At one point during the reception she yells at him, “I hate you and your firm. You are a despicable power hungry man.”
Her brother-in-law tries to calm her down and reminds her they had a deal. He paid for all the wedding festivities and she had promised to be happy.
I thought the film was finished until I saw Part 2 appear on the screen. The title was ‘Claire’. (the sister of the bride) The second chapter shows Claire in two ways. She was so loving and attentive to her depressed sister. She went beyond what anyone else would do. We also see her degenerating mentally as the planet Melancholia comes closer to earth. The ending was unexpected and startling.
The saving grace for the film is the magnificent cinematography. Many of the scenes are spectacular in vision. The camera lingers for a long time over the beautiful landscape. The house is like a castle and the grounds are exceptional. The camera shows it all in a slow methodical artistic manner.
The beginning of the film shows many shots that are still like. The camera lingers forever on each character. We see the bride, Justine, in the woods dragging branches that are attached to her gown? Obviously it was a metaphor for what was about to happen. The lengthy pictures were annoying rather than increasing my curiosity of what was to come.
There was one scene of Justine sprawled over a river bank completely nude. I wanted to capture that beautiful image and frame it. The lush greenery behind her emphasized the beauty of her naked body.
Lars von Trier is the controversial director and writer. I needed to talk with him following the film. You may recall he made some pro Nazi comments at the Cannes Film festival. He likes controversy and would probably be happy that many do not like his film. I am not a fan of fantasy.
I didn’t want to see this film about the end of the world. I just wanted the film to end.
My friend and I thoroughly disliked the film. I had to hold her down from leaving. Unfortunately we even made too many nasty comments and the couple in front shushed us up. I did apologize.
Melancholia refers to the state of mind of main character Justine.(Kirsten Dunst) I was not aware that Kirsten Dunst was such a fine actor. We meet her on her wedding day. At first she is gorgeous and all smiling. She and her husband arrive 2 hours late for the reception and everything goes down hill from there. She goes into a melancholic mood and acts very strange. She leaves the reception and wanders around the massive grounds of the castle like estate (her brother-in-law’s home) She drives his golf art around the golf course. She ‘humps’ a young guest on the grounds of the estate. Her new husband even packs his bags and leaves that very evening.
Melancholia also refers to a previously undiscovered planet that is moving into the earth’s radius. The brother-in-law purchases an enormous telescope and also purchases goods to prepare for a disaster.
Justine keeps looking up to the sky and sees a red star. Is this a premonition of disaster? Is her behavior controlled by the terrestrial phenomenon?
The wedding does provide some humor. The father is an older gentleman surrounded by two younger women. The mother is an angry person who shouts out at the reception,” Enjoy it while it lasts. I hate weddings.”
The best man is also Justine’s boss. At one point during the reception she yells at him, “I hate you and your firm. You are a despicable power hungry man.”
Her brother-in-law tries to calm her down and reminds her they had a deal. He paid for all the wedding festivities and she had promised to be happy.
I thought the film was finished until I saw Part 2 appear on the screen. The title was ‘Claire’. (the sister of the bride) The second chapter shows Claire in two ways. She was so loving and attentive to her depressed sister. She went beyond what anyone else would do. We also see her degenerating mentally as the planet Melancholia comes closer to earth. The ending was unexpected and startling.
The saving grace for the film is the magnificent cinematography. Many of the scenes are spectacular in vision. The camera lingers for a long time over the beautiful landscape. The house is like a castle and the grounds are exceptional. The camera shows it all in a slow methodical artistic manner.
The beginning of the film shows many shots that are still like. The camera lingers forever on each character. We see the bride, Justine, in the woods dragging branches that are attached to her gown? Obviously it was a metaphor for what was about to happen. The lengthy pictures were annoying rather than increasing my curiosity of what was to come.
There was one scene of Justine sprawled over a river bank completely nude. I wanted to capture that beautiful image and frame it. The lush greenery behind her emphasized the beauty of her naked body.
Lars von Trier is the controversial director and writer. I needed to talk with him following the film. You may recall he made some pro Nazi comments at the Cannes Film festival. He likes controversy and would probably be happy that many do not like his film. I am not a fan of fantasy.
I didn’t want to see this film about the end of the world. I just wanted the film to end.
Le Havre
Le Havre
Refreshing!. Unusual! Well Performed! Great Cinematography!
Every moment of this film was totally enjoyed. The audience obviously felt the same way. No wonder the film won an Ecumenical Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Aki Kaukismaki is the brilliant director.
The action takes place in Le Havre, France. Every frame is a cinematic delight. The shots of the city are mostly in muted tones to make you feel as well as see the poor living conditions. The camera lingers on the well worn faces of the characters involved. Nobody is ‘beautiful’ but the people in the area become beautiful in their soul.
A young refugee boy from Africa arrives in town. The police are after him.
A 60sh year old shoe shiner, Marcel, tries to help him. He leaves him food and then takes him into his house. He fools the police and stands up for this young boy.
Several other people in the town join in to help. The lady in the bake shop and the bartender in the local bar are characters in themselves. They band together and plan a musical concert to raise money for the boat transportation to take the young man to freedom.
The concert is a riot but all the people in the town show up and a lot of money is raised.
The police continue to be foiled at every attempt.
The police inspector wears dark clothes, sun glasses and leather gloves. He is supposed to look menacing. He ends up being a ‘good guy’
Every scene was delightful. The acting is amazing. The shoeshine man has a wife. I wanted to laugh every time she appeared on the screen. She had a doer look, no makeup and never showed any animation. Yet she cared for her husband.
The film is like a fairy tale. The unusual characters work together in the most positive way to help the young refugee.
There are political overtones that enhance the film. Racial problems and unrest are known to be problems in France. Apparently Le Havre was having economical problems and many people were out of work. Aki Kaukismaki works these themes into the story. It is all so enjoyable because the plot is not heavy handed. It is almost like a farce.
Andre Wilms plays the part of Marcel. He is so perfect for the role. This film is a must. It is currently at my favorite TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Refreshing!. Unusual! Well Performed! Great Cinematography!
Every moment of this film was totally enjoyed. The audience obviously felt the same way. No wonder the film won an Ecumenical Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Aki Kaukismaki is the brilliant director.
The action takes place in Le Havre, France. Every frame is a cinematic delight. The shots of the city are mostly in muted tones to make you feel as well as see the poor living conditions. The camera lingers on the well worn faces of the characters involved. Nobody is ‘beautiful’ but the people in the area become beautiful in their soul.
A young refugee boy from Africa arrives in town. The police are after him.
A 60sh year old shoe shiner, Marcel, tries to help him. He leaves him food and then takes him into his house. He fools the police and stands up for this young boy.
Several other people in the town join in to help. The lady in the bake shop and the bartender in the local bar are characters in themselves. They band together and plan a musical concert to raise money for the boat transportation to take the young man to freedom.
The concert is a riot but all the people in the town show up and a lot of money is raised.
The police continue to be foiled at every attempt.
The police inspector wears dark clothes, sun glasses and leather gloves. He is supposed to look menacing. He ends up being a ‘good guy’
Every scene was delightful. The acting is amazing. The shoeshine man has a wife. I wanted to laugh every time she appeared on the screen. She had a doer look, no makeup and never showed any animation. Yet she cared for her husband.
The film is like a fairy tale. The unusual characters work together in the most positive way to help the young refugee.
There are political overtones that enhance the film. Racial problems and unrest are known to be problems in France. Apparently Le Havre was having economical problems and many people were out of work. Aki Kaukismaki works these themes into the story. It is all so enjoyable because the plot is not heavy handed. It is almost like a farce.
Andre Wilms plays the part of Marcel. He is so perfect for the role. This film is a must. It is currently at my favorite TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Like Crazy
Like Crazy
This was a touching, emotional and believable tale. Jacob and Anna meet at college in the States. They fall madly in love. This is a simpatico team. They laugh. They discuss everything. He loves to hear her reading her essays. The problem is that Anna is from England and her visa is running out. She wants to stay with Jacob but ultimately is forced to leave the country. My heart wept for her.
They tried a long distance relationship but that obviously is almost impossible. She wasn’t allowed back into the States for a long time because of her violation.
In the meantime she gets a good job and promotions start happening.
Jacob is running a successful furniture designing business. He begins a relationship with his attractive assistant.
They do keep in touch and love does seem to find a way or does it. The conclusion is open ended and I would love to hear what the audience presumes will happen.
Felicity Jones is superb in the role of Anna. She is perky and quiet and serene at the right time. Jacob is beautifully portrayed by Anton Yelchin. Those two were meant for each other and fate had such a nasty way of intervening.
Anna’s parents add some humor to the story. They were always so supportive of Anna when she was with Jacob and later with another chap.
The story is so possible and I found it heartbreaking that geography had to split up such a wonderful couple. But then I am such a romantic soul at heart.
This is a refreshing story well told.
This was a touching, emotional and believable tale. Jacob and Anna meet at college in the States. They fall madly in love. This is a simpatico team. They laugh. They discuss everything. He loves to hear her reading her essays. The problem is that Anna is from England and her visa is running out. She wants to stay with Jacob but ultimately is forced to leave the country. My heart wept for her.
They tried a long distance relationship but that obviously is almost impossible. She wasn’t allowed back into the States for a long time because of her violation.
In the meantime she gets a good job and promotions start happening.
Jacob is running a successful furniture designing business. He begins a relationship with his attractive assistant.
They do keep in touch and love does seem to find a way or does it. The conclusion is open ended and I would love to hear what the audience presumes will happen.
Felicity Jones is superb in the role of Anna. She is perky and quiet and serene at the right time. Jacob is beautifully portrayed by Anton Yelchin. Those two were meant for each other and fate had such a nasty way of intervening.
Anna’s parents add some humor to the story. They were always so supportive of Anna when she was with Jacob and later with another chap.
The story is so possible and I found it heartbreaking that geography had to split up such a wonderful couple. But then I am such a romantic soul at heart.
This is a refreshing story well told.
Crepes A GoGo
Crepes A GoGo north west corner of Bloor and Spadina
The actual address is on Spadina and is therefore confusing. Crepes A GoGo is on Bloor St a few doors west of Spadina on the south west corner of Spadina and Bloor.
I have watched this restaurant taking form. Every day I would walk by to see if it was open. Veronique, the magical entrepreneur gave me a sneak preview several weeks ago. Each day I would peek in the window to see if it was ready to open.
This week I was excited to see the lace curtains in the window and the door open. Veronique has brought a touch of France to this busy corner. The servers and the chef all speak French. The small paper Eiffel Tower in the corner is also a reminder that this is like being in French territory. The design of the restaurant is elegant. This is a tiny place. There are a few tables and bar stools. I opted to take my rolled crepe and eat it on my way home. All the crepes are presented in a paper bag. There is no cutlery.
I think Veronique is amazing. She has taken this crepe concept to new heights. This is her third establishment. It is open late and will no doubt be a busy addition to this bustling annex location.
Rolled Crepes are Veronique’s creation. The crepe is removed from the creperie and filled. It is rolled and then cut before serving. The rolled crepes are served cool. Savoury and Sweet Crepes are available. I opted for Crepe Monsieur.($10.00) Tuna, mayonnaise, parsley, lettuce and tomatoes are included in this tasty delight.
Crepe Madame offers cream cheese, dill and red onion, smoked salmon and lemon.($10.00)
If you prefer a sweeter taste you might ask for the Martinique, a crepe filled with sugar, lemon, cinnamon and fresh slices of banana.($6.00) P’tit Ben is a cream cheese and raspberry jam delight.($7.00)
On my next visit I intend t try a Folded Crepe. It is finished on the creperie and served hot. St-Tropez offers a goat cheese & baby spinach filling with a sprinkle of olive oil.($8.50) Parisienne is prepared with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, threads of red onion and filaments of dill.($9.00)
Sweet Folded Crepes are also popular. Imagine Dark Chocolate sticks enclosed in a folded crepe.($5.00)
Crepe A GoGo has several signature crepe offerings. Veronique is a brie, strawberry, baby spinach and maple syrup wonder.($9.50)
The doors have just opened. There was already a line up. Many take the crepes out. Others enjoy the inside facilities.
Crepe A GoGo is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. The French flavor brings an international touch to a vibrant neighborhood. This type of food is great any time of the day. It can be a meal or a delicious snack.
Whatever you eat you must try the Limonana, a specialty lemon drink. You can even purchase some to take home.
The actual address is on Spadina and is therefore confusing. Crepes A GoGo is on Bloor St a few doors west of Spadina on the south west corner of Spadina and Bloor.
I have watched this restaurant taking form. Every day I would walk by to see if it was open. Veronique, the magical entrepreneur gave me a sneak preview several weeks ago. Each day I would peek in the window to see if it was ready to open.
This week I was excited to see the lace curtains in the window and the door open. Veronique has brought a touch of France to this busy corner. The servers and the chef all speak French. The small paper Eiffel Tower in the corner is also a reminder that this is like being in French territory. The design of the restaurant is elegant. This is a tiny place. There are a few tables and bar stools. I opted to take my rolled crepe and eat it on my way home. All the crepes are presented in a paper bag. There is no cutlery.
I think Veronique is amazing. She has taken this crepe concept to new heights. This is her third establishment. It is open late and will no doubt be a busy addition to this bustling annex location.
Rolled Crepes are Veronique’s creation. The crepe is removed from the creperie and filled. It is rolled and then cut before serving. The rolled crepes are served cool. Savoury and Sweet Crepes are available. I opted for Crepe Monsieur.($10.00) Tuna, mayonnaise, parsley, lettuce and tomatoes are included in this tasty delight.
Crepe Madame offers cream cheese, dill and red onion, smoked salmon and lemon.($10.00)
If you prefer a sweeter taste you might ask for the Martinique, a crepe filled with sugar, lemon, cinnamon and fresh slices of banana.($6.00) P’tit Ben is a cream cheese and raspberry jam delight.($7.00)
On my next visit I intend t try a Folded Crepe. It is finished on the creperie and served hot. St-Tropez offers a goat cheese & baby spinach filling with a sprinkle of olive oil.($8.50) Parisienne is prepared with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, threads of red onion and filaments of dill.($9.00)
Sweet Folded Crepes are also popular. Imagine Dark Chocolate sticks enclosed in a folded crepe.($5.00)
Crepe A GoGo has several signature crepe offerings. Veronique is a brie, strawberry, baby spinach and maple syrup wonder.($9.50)
The doors have just opened. There was already a line up. Many take the crepes out. Others enjoy the inside facilities.
Crepe A GoGo is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. The French flavor brings an international touch to a vibrant neighborhood. This type of food is great any time of the day. It can be a meal or a delicious snack.
Whatever you eat you must try the Limonana, a specialty lemon drink. You can even purchase some to take home.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Late Bloomers
Late Bloomers playing in Tel Aviv Israel
I don’t know if this film has played in Toronto or will even come here. I hope it will. It was a rainy day in Tel Aviv. This is not a pretty site. The water doesn’t drain because the city is below sea level. The water stays in the street and it is like walking in a lake to cross the road. I was alone on this day and decided to see a film. The films are listed in Hebrew so I really didn’t know what I was about to see. I noticed that William Hurt and Isabelle Rosellini were in the film. There were Hebrew sub titles but the spoken language was English.
The William Hurt character is a successful architect married to a very attractive woman played by Isabelle Rosellini. She is worried about memory loss and seeks out a doctor’s advice. He tells her to keep busy and find activities to occupy her time. She goes to an aqua fit class but discovers she is not coordinated and can’t follow the activities like the other members of the class. She does get involved with some volunteer work in a school program.
The children are concerned and care about her.
The architect is seduced by a young female worker in his office. You can see how he was mildly tempted but really not into it.
He discusses this affair with a good friend. There was much humor with the friend. He was wishing he could have an affair but was limited in activities due to bad health. He had a hearing aid, suffered from heart problems and bad knees.
The audience obviously related to the story and found a lot of humor.
The wife goes to her daughter to discuss her situation.
The ending is predictable but I enjoyed it all. There was humor and it was well done. It seemed to be a story about middle age crisis and coping with aging problems. They were a good family and cared for one another but things seemed to happen and the couple briefly drifted.
The grandmother is an important family member. We discover that she has cancer and will not live very long. I guess you could say that her death helped the family to see issues more clearly.
Predictable but well worth seeing. What a great cast.
I don’t know if this film has played in Toronto or will even come here. I hope it will. It was a rainy day in Tel Aviv. This is not a pretty site. The water doesn’t drain because the city is below sea level. The water stays in the street and it is like walking in a lake to cross the road. I was alone on this day and decided to see a film. The films are listed in Hebrew so I really didn’t know what I was about to see. I noticed that William Hurt and Isabelle Rosellini were in the film. There were Hebrew sub titles but the spoken language was English.
The William Hurt character is a successful architect married to a very attractive woman played by Isabelle Rosellini. She is worried about memory loss and seeks out a doctor’s advice. He tells her to keep busy and find activities to occupy her time. She goes to an aqua fit class but discovers she is not coordinated and can’t follow the activities like the other members of the class. She does get involved with some volunteer work in a school program.
The children are concerned and care about her.
The architect is seduced by a young female worker in his office. You can see how he was mildly tempted but really not into it.
He discusses this affair with a good friend. There was much humor with the friend. He was wishing he could have an affair but was limited in activities due to bad health. He had a hearing aid, suffered from heart problems and bad knees.
The audience obviously related to the story and found a lot of humor.
The wife goes to her daughter to discuss her situation.
The ending is predictable but I enjoyed it all. There was humor and it was well done. It seemed to be a story about middle age crisis and coping with aging problems. They were a good family and cared for one another but things seemed to happen and the couple briefly drifted.
The grandmother is an important family member. We discover that she has cancer and will not live very long. I guess you could say that her death helped the family to see issues more clearly.
Predictable but well worth seeing. What a great cast.
Cafe Mizrahi/Pasta Basta
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?
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?
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