Footnote
This amazing film was the Israeli contribution for best foreign film at the Oscars. I saw it during the Toronto Film Festival. There isn’t a lot of action but the film is superb. A father and son are both Talmudic scholars. The father is quiet and not well known. He has not been recognized for his work.
The son is more outgoing and better known for his scholarly works.
The father receives a call that he has won a prestigious prize for his scholarly works. It really was intended for the son.
What to do? Do you hurt the father and report the mistake? Do you accept the mistake and painfully act proud of your father?
It is thought provoking. It is a brilliant concept well executed. Obviously it did not win the best foreign prize at the Oscars. It is certainly noteworthy
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Jerusalem
Jerusalem
It was such a long flight for a short week to visit the family. How blessed I am to be able to spend quality time with my daughter and all the family. Three of the four granddaughters are married and there are now 3 great grandchildren. They all gathered at my daughter’s house and 12 of us spent quality time together taking in the sites and having a lot of fun. What a great memorable experience.
Jerusalem is indeed a special city. It is spectacular in appearance. All buildings new and old are constructed of stone. It gives the feeling of the ancient past and makes for an aesthetic uniform appearance. Be prepared to walk up and down hills and steps. I certainly got my exercise. Needless to say the old city is a must and a visit to the Western Wall is mandatory. There are no cars inside the old city so you certainly will do a lot of walking. My favorite sound is the Arab call to prayer from the mosque in Eastern Jerusalem. At the same time the chanting can be heard from the synagogues. The underground tour of the former ancient city is a must. It begins on the campus by the Western Wall. The Superior Court and the museums are all spectacular. Yad Vashem is the best museum I have ever visited. It is the holocaust museum. It is a series of buildings and exhibits on a large tract of land. It is very emotional and a must visit. I go to Jerusalem annually and thought I knew most of the spots to visit. On this occasion I came across two very tiny eating spots that were both fun and delicious.
Hummus Adumin M’aleh Adumin Jerusalem
This tiny ‘shack’ is located in an industrial area about 40 minutes from the central city. There are automotive places and some light manufacturing. It is quite a desolate area. At the end of the section there is a tiny restaurant that I would label a shack. There are a few tables inside and 2 picnic tables outside. It is very busy as the industrial workers come here during the day. It actually closes at 5:00 p.m. They serve only three items.
My favorite Israeli dish is Shashouka. I actually eat it almost every day when in Israel and love to compare the various recipes in restaurants. Basically it is a tomato sauce prepared in a copper frying pan. Two eggs are poached in the sauce. It is served hot in the frying pan at the table. It is traditional to serve it with a small Israeli salad, hummus and bread. Some recipes add cheese to the top. I have had eggplant and Italian spices at other restaurants. This was the best as the sauce had obviously been prepared with fresh tomatoes.
Falafel and Fries are the other foods served here. The falafel balls were so tasty and not at all greasy. The chef ran out of pita and sent one of the workers to a bakery outlet across the path. We later went to the bakery and of course purchased some of the delicious cookies. It is so exhilarating to discover a small budget tasty food spot. This was a winner for me.
Hummus Ben Sira on Ben Sira St at the bottom of Hillel St.
One of my granddaughters was recently married in Jerusalem. Her husband Chanina is adorable and so much fun. He wanted to show me his favorite spot in central Jerusalem to meet with the ‘guys’. I felt so honored that he wanted to take ‘Nana’ to this delicious hummus spot. There are very few tables and long lines .A very large portion of hummus is served with a variety of toppings with sides of pickles, falafel balls, tomatoes and onions. This was one of the highlights of my visit to Israel. The Mushroom Hummus was a great treat. My granddughter enjoyed the Beef Hummus. What a fun tasty treat!
It was such a long flight for a short week to visit the family. How blessed I am to be able to spend quality time with my daughter and all the family. Three of the four granddaughters are married and there are now 3 great grandchildren. They all gathered at my daughter’s house and 12 of us spent quality time together taking in the sites and having a lot of fun. What a great memorable experience.
Jerusalem is indeed a special city. It is spectacular in appearance. All buildings new and old are constructed of stone. It gives the feeling of the ancient past and makes for an aesthetic uniform appearance. Be prepared to walk up and down hills and steps. I certainly got my exercise. Needless to say the old city is a must and a visit to the Western Wall is mandatory. There are no cars inside the old city so you certainly will do a lot of walking. My favorite sound is the Arab call to prayer from the mosque in Eastern Jerusalem. At the same time the chanting can be heard from the synagogues. The underground tour of the former ancient city is a must. It begins on the campus by the Western Wall. The Superior Court and the museums are all spectacular. Yad Vashem is the best museum I have ever visited. It is the holocaust museum. It is a series of buildings and exhibits on a large tract of land. It is very emotional and a must visit. I go to Jerusalem annually and thought I knew most of the spots to visit. On this occasion I came across two very tiny eating spots that were both fun and delicious.
Hummus Adumin M’aleh Adumin Jerusalem
This tiny ‘shack’ is located in an industrial area about 40 minutes from the central city. There are automotive places and some light manufacturing. It is quite a desolate area. At the end of the section there is a tiny restaurant that I would label a shack. There are a few tables inside and 2 picnic tables outside. It is very busy as the industrial workers come here during the day. It actually closes at 5:00 p.m. They serve only three items.
My favorite Israeli dish is Shashouka. I actually eat it almost every day when in Israel and love to compare the various recipes in restaurants. Basically it is a tomato sauce prepared in a copper frying pan. Two eggs are poached in the sauce. It is served hot in the frying pan at the table. It is traditional to serve it with a small Israeli salad, hummus and bread. Some recipes add cheese to the top. I have had eggplant and Italian spices at other restaurants. This was the best as the sauce had obviously been prepared with fresh tomatoes.
Falafel and Fries are the other foods served here. The falafel balls were so tasty and not at all greasy. The chef ran out of pita and sent one of the workers to a bakery outlet across the path. We later went to the bakery and of course purchased some of the delicious cookies. It is so exhilarating to discover a small budget tasty food spot. This was a winner for me.
Hummus Ben Sira on Ben Sira St at the bottom of Hillel St.
One of my granddaughters was recently married in Jerusalem. Her husband Chanina is adorable and so much fun. He wanted to show me his favorite spot in central Jerusalem to meet with the ‘guys’. I felt so honored that he wanted to take ‘Nana’ to this delicious hummus spot. There are very few tables and long lines .A very large portion of hummus is served with a variety of toppings with sides of pickles, falafel balls, tomatoes and onions. This was one of the highlights of my visit to Israel. The Mushroom Hummus was a great treat. My granddughter enjoyed the Beef Hummus. What a fun tasty treat!
Inbal Cafe
Inbal Café Hama’ayon St Ein Keren ( a suburb of Jerusalem)
I thought I had seen all of Jerusalem during my many visits. This charming area proved to be an unexpected pleasure. The area is noted as a biblical spot favored by John the Baptist. It is said that he met Mary Magdalene on this spot. Until recently it has been a place for Christian tourists to visit. It is now an artist area worth a trip. The narrow winding streets and stone structures are so charming. We strolled on the small side streets admiring some of the gardens and looking into the artist boutiques. There are only 3 restaurants and they are on the main street beside one another.
Eric was our server and so delightful. It should be mentioned that kosher restaurants in Israel are either dairy or meat.
I am intrigued with the Israeli breakfasts. Most restaurants serve them all day. The Israelis love salads and can be seen eating them at all hours of the day. The vegetables are fresh and nationally grown. The bowls are large and filled with yummy healthy ingredients.
The Israeli Breakfast was too much for anyone to eat. It included yogurt, tuna, tahini, eggs (cooked to your choice), bread, cookies and salad. All of the above is 49 New Israeli shekels. I generally divide by 4 to get a close proximity to our money.
Tuna Salad is prepared in a large bowl and topped with a mound of tuna. (52 NIS)
Pizza is very popular here. Generally the crust is a little thicker than our thin crusts at home. (49NIS)
Ravioli is offered for 56 NIS.
We sat on the porch and watched the tourists perambulating. It is a charming spot for a visit. I did notice a Boutique Hotel that would be great for an overnight visit. This area is so close to the downtown Jerusalem and you are transported to a charming village feeling. It is great for lunch.
I thought I had seen all of Jerusalem during my many visits. This charming area proved to be an unexpected pleasure. The area is noted as a biblical spot favored by John the Baptist. It is said that he met Mary Magdalene on this spot. Until recently it has been a place for Christian tourists to visit. It is now an artist area worth a trip. The narrow winding streets and stone structures are so charming. We strolled on the small side streets admiring some of the gardens and looking into the artist boutiques. There are only 3 restaurants and they are on the main street beside one another.
Eric was our server and so delightful. It should be mentioned that kosher restaurants in Israel are either dairy or meat.
I am intrigued with the Israeli breakfasts. Most restaurants serve them all day. The Israelis love salads and can be seen eating them at all hours of the day. The vegetables are fresh and nationally grown. The bowls are large and filled with yummy healthy ingredients.
The Israeli Breakfast was too much for anyone to eat. It included yogurt, tuna, tahini, eggs (cooked to your choice), bread, cookies and salad. All of the above is 49 New Israeli shekels. I generally divide by 4 to get a close proximity to our money.
Tuna Salad is prepared in a large bowl and topped with a mound of tuna. (52 NIS)
Pizza is very popular here. Generally the crust is a little thicker than our thin crusts at home. (49NIS)
Ravioli is offered for 56 NIS.
We sat on the porch and watched the tourists perambulating. It is a charming spot for a visit. I did notice a Boutique Hotel that would be great for an overnight visit. This area is so close to the downtown Jerusalem and you are transported to a charming village feeling. It is great for lunch.
Sisters and Brothers
Sisters and Brothers
What a creative unusual film. I wasn’t sure at first that I was enjoying the film but as time went on I found it humorous, thought provoking and intelligent.
We meet several groups of brothers and sisters. The vignettes jump around and go from one to another. Sometimes we hear a character talking directly to the audience. Sometimes an event or situation is acted out. At times there is animation. Ii all happens quickly and moves at a good pace.
Two brothers are reunited. One is a successful high living character in the theatre business. His brother works for a charity in Africa.
A sister is nurturing to her mentally ill brother. It is touching how she cares for him and looks after him. There is also humor.
A mother is having difficulty with her outspoken insensitive daughter. A young woman, dressed in a sari, arrives at the home. Apparently she is the long lost daughter from a relationship the mother had when living in India. At first the two sisters do not get along.
Each vignette is touching and believable. It is an interesting concept and there is a difference in each episode.
The pattern of the film is creative. I did not find it distracting.
Bravo for a Canadian film that is original and well produced. Apparently this is the final installment of Carl Bessai’s family trilogy. I would love to see the other films. I also understand that there is a lot of improvising. The actors work so well together.
What a creative unusual film. I wasn’t sure at first that I was enjoying the film but as time went on I found it humorous, thought provoking and intelligent.
We meet several groups of brothers and sisters. The vignettes jump around and go from one to another. Sometimes we hear a character talking directly to the audience. Sometimes an event or situation is acted out. At times there is animation. Ii all happens quickly and moves at a good pace.
Two brothers are reunited. One is a successful high living character in the theatre business. His brother works for a charity in Africa.
A sister is nurturing to her mentally ill brother. It is touching how she cares for him and looks after him. There is also humor.
A mother is having difficulty with her outspoken insensitive daughter. A young woman, dressed in a sari, arrives at the home. Apparently she is the long lost daughter from a relationship the mother had when living in India. At first the two sisters do not get along.
Each vignette is touching and believable. It is an interesting concept and there is a difference in each episode.
The pattern of the film is creative. I did not find it distracting.
Bravo for a Canadian film that is original and well produced. Apparently this is the final installment of Carl Bessai’s family trilogy. I would love to see the other films. I also understand that there is a lot of improvising. The actors work so well together.
Vittorio's on Avenue
Vittorios on Avenue 137 Avenue Rd 416 924 7441
Cico, you never fail. You have more energy than anyone I know. You greet the guests as if they are your best friend and your memory boggles the mind.
Vittorio’s is the new kid on the block at Avenue Rd and Davenport. This location has a sad past of failed restaurants. Not this time. Clearly Cico has his following. The place has been crowded on my past two visits to this location.
The restaurant has a charming appeal. When you enter you face a large bar with an oversize mirror. A whimsical mural is painted on the far wall. The tables are well spaced and some are on different levels. This provides a feeling of space. The service is always excellent. The food is authentic Italian and as good as any meal I have had in Italy. The pasta dishes are mouth watering delicious
I was dining at lunch with four family members. We have all followed Cico and his fine food from every restaurant he has owned.
The bread is so noteworthy. A small round loaf of foccacio covered with oil and rosemary is beyond fantastic. I won’t say how many orders we devoured. It was warm and melted in your mouth. Just in case you needed a little spice in your life a little dish with hot oil and spices was sufficient to raise your temperature immediately.
A Caesar Salad was shared as an appetizer. ($9.25) We all delved into it and it was demolished immediately.
My favorite dish is the Cappellini Gamberoni with black tiger shrimp, artichokes, and roasted peppers.($15.90) I salivate even when I think about this dish. It is always perfectly prepared and I can’t get enough of it. The shrimp are so tasty and perfectly prepared. Two of us enjoyed this fantastic dish.
Raviolacci is a ravioli dish with an exotic sauce.($16.25) The Rigatoni Pollo e Funghi is large portion filled with the tasty ingredients. There was nothing left on any of the four plates. We were all licking our lips.
Braciole is a favorite dish here. Stuffed veal with smoked mozzarella is prepared with prosciutto di parma, shallots, rosemary, thyme, sherry in a cabarnet reduction.($24.95)The portion is enormous and I am told the meat is perfectly flavored and very tender.
Grilled Pesce Misto also a big favorite.(market price)
In the past I have enjoyed the Melanzane alla Parmigiana. The baked eggplant with parmigiano cheese and tomato sauce is listed as an appetizer.($12.95) With a bowl of Zuppa del Giorno ($9.25) you can enjoy a full meal.
The Frutti di Mare Risotto offers mussels, clams, shrimps, scallops, calamari in a marinara sauce.($23.95)
Tirimasu and a Chocolate Brule completely finished our feast.
Our only complaint was that we felt we were going to be rolled out of the restaurant.
No matter your choice you are in for a perfection of flavors. The presentation is also inviting.
This is a gourmet dining spot that will indeed impress.
Cico, you never fail. You have more energy than anyone I know. You greet the guests as if they are your best friend and your memory boggles the mind.
Vittorio’s is the new kid on the block at Avenue Rd and Davenport. This location has a sad past of failed restaurants. Not this time. Clearly Cico has his following. The place has been crowded on my past two visits to this location.
The restaurant has a charming appeal. When you enter you face a large bar with an oversize mirror. A whimsical mural is painted on the far wall. The tables are well spaced and some are on different levels. This provides a feeling of space. The service is always excellent. The food is authentic Italian and as good as any meal I have had in Italy. The pasta dishes are mouth watering delicious
I was dining at lunch with four family members. We have all followed Cico and his fine food from every restaurant he has owned.
The bread is so noteworthy. A small round loaf of foccacio covered with oil and rosemary is beyond fantastic. I won’t say how many orders we devoured. It was warm and melted in your mouth. Just in case you needed a little spice in your life a little dish with hot oil and spices was sufficient to raise your temperature immediately.
A Caesar Salad was shared as an appetizer. ($9.25) We all delved into it and it was demolished immediately.
My favorite dish is the Cappellini Gamberoni with black tiger shrimp, artichokes, and roasted peppers.($15.90) I salivate even when I think about this dish. It is always perfectly prepared and I can’t get enough of it. The shrimp are so tasty and perfectly prepared. Two of us enjoyed this fantastic dish.
Raviolacci is a ravioli dish with an exotic sauce.($16.25) The Rigatoni Pollo e Funghi is large portion filled with the tasty ingredients. There was nothing left on any of the four plates. We were all licking our lips.
Braciole is a favorite dish here. Stuffed veal with smoked mozzarella is prepared with prosciutto di parma, shallots, rosemary, thyme, sherry in a cabarnet reduction.($24.95)The portion is enormous and I am told the meat is perfectly flavored and very tender.
Grilled Pesce Misto also a big favorite.(market price)
In the past I have enjoyed the Melanzane alla Parmigiana. The baked eggplant with parmigiano cheese and tomato sauce is listed as an appetizer.($12.95) With a bowl of Zuppa del Giorno ($9.25) you can enjoy a full meal.
The Frutti di Mare Risotto offers mussels, clams, shrimps, scallops, calamari in a marinara sauce.($23.95)
Tirimasu and a Chocolate Brule completely finished our feast.
Our only complaint was that we felt we were going to be rolled out of the restaurant.
No matter your choice you are in for a perfection of flavors. The presentation is also inviting.
This is a gourmet dining spot that will indeed impress.
Guantanamo Trap
Gunatanamo Trap
I urge everyone to support the new Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. It is revolutionary to have a theatre totally dedicated to documentaries. They have done a superb job in refurbishing the old Bloor Cinema. It has come a long way since 1913 when the original Madison Theatre was founded on this same spot.
This remarkable film strives to show 2 sides of the Guantanamo issue. I was spell bound. The director and producer were present and added much following the presentation.
We were reminded that Obama had promised to get rid of Gunatanamo Bay His promise has not been kept and for politically reasons he can’t do anything at this time before a new election. It will be fascinating to see what happens after the next election.
Diane Beaver is one interesting woman. She was a high ranking army officer at Guantanamo Bay. She speaks freely throughout the film. She claims that it was necessary to separate the prisoners and deprive them of sleep. It was her direction that authorized some of the horrific torture on the prisoners. She felt she was doing her job. It was interesting that higher officials did not sign any of the authorization so she was left holding the bag. She does pay a price for her actions and has some difficulty adjusting when she returns home but does state that she did her job because she loves her country. Her family supports her entirely and she feels she did nothing wrong. At one point she states, “How do you stop this (terrorism) if you don’t understand the enemy?”
For me the most interesting character was Morat Kuntzer, a German. At 19 he went to Pakistan and converted to Islam. He was picked up and sold to the Americans and later sent to Guantanamo. He tells of his horrific conditions. He was placed in a cage smaller than a dog cage. He was naked at times, poorly fed and given no water. The torture was totally inhumane. Lights were left on 24/7.His mother did so much in helping gain his release.
Matt Diaz was an army officer working at Guantanamo Bay. He did not like what he saw and provided a list of the prisoners to an activist in New York. As a result he lost his job and his pension. He went to jail. His marriage broke up. He lost his house,
A group of lawyers in Spain were trying to charge George Bush and Rumsfeld with war crimes. Morat Kuntzer went to Spain after he was released and gave a lot of information to this Spanish counsel. After the recent bombing in Madrid they wanted information to help them find the terrorists responsible. They have received no help from Obama.
At the end of the film we learn more about the characters and how they are currently coping.
It was very emotional and I found it fascinating to hear people speak from both sides. The director stated that he wants the audience to interpret the film as they wish. He was not attempting to spoon feed the audience. When asked a question he agreed that there was no redemption for any of the characters in the film. The film has not been accepted in the United States and this was the Canadian premiere.
It was explained that some of the prisoners will not be retuned to their home countries because they will be tortured. What an irony after the treatment many face at Guantanamo Bay. The director told the audience that one man was sleep deprived for 11 months and he was ill in every way as a result.
This is an exceptional documentary. It will make you cringe. The German Turkish director is exceptionally talented.
I urge everyone to support the new Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. It is revolutionary to have a theatre totally dedicated to documentaries. They have done a superb job in refurbishing the old Bloor Cinema. It has come a long way since 1913 when the original Madison Theatre was founded on this same spot.
This remarkable film strives to show 2 sides of the Guantanamo issue. I was spell bound. The director and producer were present and added much following the presentation.
We were reminded that Obama had promised to get rid of Gunatanamo Bay His promise has not been kept and for politically reasons he can’t do anything at this time before a new election. It will be fascinating to see what happens after the next election.
Diane Beaver is one interesting woman. She was a high ranking army officer at Guantanamo Bay. She speaks freely throughout the film. She claims that it was necessary to separate the prisoners and deprive them of sleep. It was her direction that authorized some of the horrific torture on the prisoners. She felt she was doing her job. It was interesting that higher officials did not sign any of the authorization so she was left holding the bag. She does pay a price for her actions and has some difficulty adjusting when she returns home but does state that she did her job because she loves her country. Her family supports her entirely and she feels she did nothing wrong. At one point she states, “How do you stop this (terrorism) if you don’t understand the enemy?”
For me the most interesting character was Morat Kuntzer, a German. At 19 he went to Pakistan and converted to Islam. He was picked up and sold to the Americans and later sent to Guantanamo. He tells of his horrific conditions. He was placed in a cage smaller than a dog cage. He was naked at times, poorly fed and given no water. The torture was totally inhumane. Lights were left on 24/7.His mother did so much in helping gain his release.
Matt Diaz was an army officer working at Guantanamo Bay. He did not like what he saw and provided a list of the prisoners to an activist in New York. As a result he lost his job and his pension. He went to jail. His marriage broke up. He lost his house,
A group of lawyers in Spain were trying to charge George Bush and Rumsfeld with war crimes. Morat Kuntzer went to Spain after he was released and gave a lot of information to this Spanish counsel. After the recent bombing in Madrid they wanted information to help them find the terrorists responsible. They have received no help from Obama.
At the end of the film we learn more about the characters and how they are currently coping.
It was very emotional and I found it fascinating to hear people speak from both sides. The director stated that he wants the audience to interpret the film as they wish. He was not attempting to spoon feed the audience. When asked a question he agreed that there was no redemption for any of the characters in the film. The film has not been accepted in the United States and this was the Canadian premiere.
It was explained that some of the prisoners will not be retuned to their home countries because they will be tortured. What an irony after the treatment many face at Guantanamo Bay. The director told the audience that one man was sleep deprived for 11 months and he was ill in every way as a result.
This is an exceptional documentary. It will make you cringe. The German Turkish director is exceptionally talented.
Ticho House
Ticho House 9 Harav Kook St 02-6223218
In central Jerusalem
I was hosting all 12 members of my Israeli family. It was important that there was room for the children to run around. I also wanted to makes sure that everyone could choose something satisfying. Wine was important. I have dined here before. Ticho House is a must on a visit to Jerusalem. The charming old manor house was the home of Dr Ticho and his artist wife Anna Ticho. Her beautiful pictures of flowers decorates the many pages of the menu. A collection of her work can also be seen at the Israel Museum.
One of the interior rooms is gallery of paintings.
The terrace is leveled and huge. Flowers are everywhere. We chose a large table in the garden. It offered all the ambiance we desired. The place was crowded but the noise level was never a problem because we were outdoors in the warm sunshine. I felt as if I was on a movie set. It is gorgeous, tranquil and offers great food. It is hard to believe you are in central Jerusalem.
There are weekly programs.
Tuesdays offers jazz with wine and cheese at 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays offers classical music at 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays the program is Jewish soul music at 8:30 pm
Several members opted for Pasta dishes. Spinach Ravioli and Pumpkin Ravioli were large portions and very tasty. (52NIS) You can choose your sauce for the pasta dishes. Pesto, Alfredo, Salsa Rose and Funghi are just a few that are available.
The Mushroom and Cream Blintzes were a treat.(55NIS)
Stuffed Artichokes are prepared with lemon sauce and served on a bed of fresh herbs and lettuce.(52NIS)
Salmon Fillet is grilled and served with potatoes with rosemary and stir fried vegetables as well as a green salad. (82NIS)
The Ticho Salad is a mixture of lettuce, fresh herbs, seasonal fruits, Roquefort cheese and sugared pecan nuts.(55NIS)
Once again I enjoyed the Israeli Breakfast for 2. Eggs of your choice and an abundance of salads and tahini were offered with juice and coffee.
The menu is extensive. It offers a Children’s Menu of pizza or pasta with a drink and ice cream. (45NIS)
There is even a Seniors Menu but I was much too proud to declare the fact.
One can dine on an extensive meal or have a drink and an appetizer. I was tempted with the Eggplant Rolls with cheese on a fresh tomato sauce with herbs. (38NIS)
We all enjoyed the family reunion. It was a memorable visit for me. The beautiful surroundings and warm Israeli breeze just added to a perfect day. We all left totally satiated and happy.
In central Jerusalem
I was hosting all 12 members of my Israeli family. It was important that there was room for the children to run around. I also wanted to makes sure that everyone could choose something satisfying. Wine was important. I have dined here before. Ticho House is a must on a visit to Jerusalem. The charming old manor house was the home of Dr Ticho and his artist wife Anna Ticho. Her beautiful pictures of flowers decorates the many pages of the menu. A collection of her work can also be seen at the Israel Museum.
One of the interior rooms is gallery of paintings.
The terrace is leveled and huge. Flowers are everywhere. We chose a large table in the garden. It offered all the ambiance we desired. The place was crowded but the noise level was never a problem because we were outdoors in the warm sunshine. I felt as if I was on a movie set. It is gorgeous, tranquil and offers great food. It is hard to believe you are in central Jerusalem.
There are weekly programs.
Tuesdays offers jazz with wine and cheese at 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays offers classical music at 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays the program is Jewish soul music at 8:30 pm
Several members opted for Pasta dishes. Spinach Ravioli and Pumpkin Ravioli were large portions and very tasty. (52NIS) You can choose your sauce for the pasta dishes. Pesto, Alfredo, Salsa Rose and Funghi are just a few that are available.
The Mushroom and Cream Blintzes were a treat.(55NIS)
Stuffed Artichokes are prepared with lemon sauce and served on a bed of fresh herbs and lettuce.(52NIS)
Salmon Fillet is grilled and served with potatoes with rosemary and stir fried vegetables as well as a green salad. (82NIS)
The Ticho Salad is a mixture of lettuce, fresh herbs, seasonal fruits, Roquefort cheese and sugared pecan nuts.(55NIS)
Once again I enjoyed the Israeli Breakfast for 2. Eggs of your choice and an abundance of salads and tahini were offered with juice and coffee.
The menu is extensive. It offers a Children’s Menu of pizza or pasta with a drink and ice cream. (45NIS)
There is even a Seniors Menu but I was much too proud to declare the fact.
One can dine on an extensive meal or have a drink and an appetizer. I was tempted with the Eggplant Rolls with cheese on a fresh tomato sauce with herbs. (38NIS)
We all enjoyed the family reunion. It was a memorable visit for me. The beautiful surroundings and warm Israeli breeze just added to a perfect day. We all left totally satiated and happy.
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