Israel for Beginners

Uno restaurant is a dairy Italian restaurant located in an office building in Tel Aviv ; during the day there is a self-service cafe side which is a lovely place for a quick lunch. But don't be fooled. The sit-down section of the restaurant which is open both for lunch and dinner is for serious foodies. My husband and I shared several appetizers, a fish and pizza. We also indulged in three (yes three) desserts. Everything was presented beautifully and tasted delicious. The wait staff was attentive and helpful. This is a restaurant where the aim is to please the customer in terms of presentation, service and above all taste; it delivers the goods on all three fronts. It was a dinner that we savored long after the meal was over. Uno - 2 Weizman Street, Tel Aviv - 03-693-2005

De Karina Chocolate Factory, located in Ein Zivan in the Golan Heights, was established several years ago by Karina, an Argentinian immigrant, who is a third generation chocolatier . All the chocolate is hand made (no machines). Our pre -arranged visit included a guided tour through the small factory, chocolate tasting and a chocolate making workshop. The entire visit took under an hour and was enjoyed by everyone. Be sure to buy some of the delicious chocolate at the shop on the way out. And there is a small cafe that looked lovely. De Karina Chocolate Factory - www.de-karina.co.il - 054-252-7040 - advance reservations recommended

Mount Bental is located in the Golan Heights 1170 meters above sea level, making for some amazing panoramic views. The mountain also contains bunkers and trenches and was the location of a pivotal battle during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. I would not suggest a special trip to visit Mount Bental but if you are in the area it is a worthwhile stop. Mount Bental - Golan Heights

The Israel Electric Company offers free Hebrew tours of its facilities in Haifa, Hadera and Ashkelon . The tours are offered during holidays and summer vacation and are labelled for ages 11 and above. However, our tour of the Hadera facility included many children far younger than 11. The guided tour begins in the visitor center where there is a short film and several displays explaining the theory of electricity in general and how electricity is produced and distributed here in Israel. The tour culminates with a bus ride through the facility grounds (including a stop at the adjacent port where coal is unloaded). Throughout the tour, the accompanying guide provides explanations. The tour runs for about an hour. My children were not particularly interested in the tour, but I thought it was well-done, interesting and educational. Since the tour is meant for the general public, the guide's explanations were on a very simple and understandable level. Private tours can be a...