Israel for Beginners

The noise and ambience and food of Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani's new kosher restaurant in Tel Avivmay not be for everyone. But, the combination of tastes and the perfection of cooking times for each dish blew me away. Skip the vegetables (except the beet carpaccio). The foccacia will fill you up but it is a must at least once. And absolutely have the signature schnitzel dish filled with potatoes.  I still dream about the combination of flavors in the meat and fish dishes. This is Jewish soul food with endless soul! Malka Restaurant -  Asia House, 2 Dafna Street, Tel Aviv -03-609-1331 - RESERVATIONS A MUST!

Eating an excellent meal on an enclosed terrace watching the sunset over the Herzliyia beach is as close to perfection as one can get. Al Hamayim has been around for many years but recently became kosher. The food - sushi and creative twists on fish and dairy dishes - is beyond delicious. The natural ambience of the beach makes this a showstopper. I have yet to meet a disappointed customer. The only downside is the pricey bill at the end of the meal! Al Hamayim - Herzliyia beach - 09-950-1767

Tel Aviv recently opened the Independence Trail - its own version of the Bostom Freedom Trail. Follow the gold line to ten stops which were critical locations regarding the creation of the modern State of Israel. We took a Hebrew tour (sign up for the free English or Hebrew tours online). You can also walk the trail on your own. In the coming months there will be an option to walk the trail with information provided on an app. It's a nice way to learn history! Israel Independence Trail - independencetrail.co.il - vist the information desk right across from 11 Rothschild.