Israel for Beginners

  Who would have thought that you could take a boat ride on the Dead Sea?  But one tour operator does exactly this.  In addition to learning about the geology of this special place (including the real reason for its diminishing state), this ride is just plain fun - including standing on salt islands and taking solidified salt rocks home. Dead Sea Boats - Orit 0524333050 OR Jacky 0524398931

 Dvora - Eyal Shani's new restauarant - in the Deborah Brown Hotel is well worth a visit. There are some of the dishes that you will recognize from Malka, and some new ones. The presentation is beautiful and the food is packed with interesting and delicious flavors. Dessert, like most meat places in Israel, ,needs work. Definitely ask for seats at the bar where you can watch the chefs at work (we even did chasers with them!).  A great vibe and a fun experience. Dvorah - Deborah Brown Hotel - 87 Ben Yehuda Tel Aviv - 077-7242019

Tel Aviv's Cooking Studio is a kosher cooking studio that offers both public and private workshops.  My husband I joined a very enjoyable public Italian cooking workshop (we still use some of the chef's tips).  But one of the most memorable experiences I ever had was a  private "knife fight" workshop we did with family friends. Everyone of all ages had a great time. What sets the Cooking Studio apart are the chefs who not only know their stuff but know how to engage the participants.  Not a cheap experience but one that is well worth it! Cooking Studio - 19 Ben Avigdor, Tel Aviv - 03-303-8115

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.

Recently, we had an amazing evening at the Whiskey Bar and Museum in the Sarona complex in Tel Aviv. Being surrounded by 1,000 whiskey bottles with the chance to try whiskeys from all over the world must be heaven for whiskey lovers. But the very hip atmosphere of the underground wine cellar and the excellent food from appetizers to desserts will win everyone else over as well (and the whiskey cocktails and whiskey dessert are a must, even if you are not a whiskey lover!). Whiskey Bar - Sarona Compound, Tel Aviv - 03-955-1105 Reservations highly recommended

Segways may be of limited use in "real life", but they are a great way to see the nooks and crannies of Israel. Many tourists "segway" in Jerusalem (highly recommended), without realizing that segway tours can be even more interesting in other parts of the country. The Segs company has an expansive list of segway tours offered all over Israel. I did both the Jaffa and Haifa two hour tours which were the perfect way to get to know the ins and outs of each of these places.  Both times the guides were informative and entertaining.  I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the country! Segs - www.segs.co.il - info@segs.co.il - 054-585-0405 - reservations a must - specify if you need an English tour AND participants must be age 16 and older

The father and son team that runs this operation provides a great experience all around.  Most importantly, safety is paramount. Everyone wears life jackets and receives a short instruction lesson, and, the guides kayak alongside the group. It is a little rough until you get out to sea, but then it is smooth sailing as you kayak along the beautiful beach, and through the Rosh Hanikra grottos from a totally different perspective than walking through them.  The guides provide short explanations regarding the geography and history of the location which makes this not only a fun and active experience, but a meaningful one as well. Kayaking at Rosh Hanikra - http://www.kayaksailinisrael.com/  - Reservations a must - the sail may be cancelled if the sea is too rough

This approximately three hour bike ride starts several hours earlier than midnight and requires stamina and strength for the many hills of Jerusalem, but it is a unique way to experience Jerusalem.  Yuval, our English speaking guide took us through various points of interests such as the Promenade in Armon Hanatziv, the First Station in Baka, and the Christian, Muslim and Jewish quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem.  We took a few breaks so that Yuval could provide some history, but for the most part, he wisely let this beautiful city speak for itself. As the night moved forward and the alleys started to quiet, the magic of this sacred city was overwhelming.  This is a great way for first time visitors to see some key points of interest which they can return to in daylight hours. Jerusalem Midnight Bike Ride -  http://jerusalembiking.com/  - RESERVATIONS A MUST!  Dress in warm layers ...

We have been to Lumina - the upscale meat restaurant at the Carlton hotel - twice now, and both times the food blew us away.  Chef Meir Adoni combines interesting tastes in every dish (like shawarma with a Mexican twist) that challenge your palate, but somehow work to be delicious. This is not for those seeking basic meat and potatoes and it is not an inexpensive meal, but anyone with a sense of adventure who wants to enjoy food on a completely different level should run here!  The restaurant ambiance is casual elegance. Lumina - Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv - 03-520-1818 - RESERVATIONS A MUST!

We were looking for a fun but short activity with our 12 year old on a cold and rainy winter.  Omanya leather center is located near Haifa.  You choose a leather piece that you prepare from sanding to painting under the dedicated supervision of the staff.  The choices range from small key chains to large pocketbooks (in various price ranges).  Make sure to take a look at all the beautiful leather goods prepared by the artists of this family-owned business (all for sale).  Plan on spending about one to two hours at the Omanya leather center.  A great family activity that is appropriate for all ages! Omanya Leather Center - Kibbutz Ofek - 04-878-4330 or 052-839-1797 - reservations a must!

Derech Hagefen located in Moshav Beit Zayit on the outskirts of Jerusalem is a pretty restaurant located in a pastoral setting with pretty indoor/outdoor seating.  The food is a variation of the usual café fare, with interesting twists on pasta, pizzas and fish.  Derech Hagefen has a sister restaurant located in a greenhouse/nursery in Jerusalem but I found Derech Hagefen's setting and food much more interesting.   A special place that is definitely worth a visit. Derech Hagefen - 1 Derech Hagefen, Moshav Beit Zayit - 02-650-2044 - Call before visiting as the restaurant is often crowded

We recently participated in the Maestro of Milano baking workshop in the family-run Saidels bakery located in Karnei Shomron.  There are a variety of workshops offered; this one is recommended for parties with children.  Les Saidel ran the four hour workshop which included preparing breads and pasta, as well as an informative tour of the small but extremely professional facilities.  While not an inexpensive activity, Les' lovely manner combined with a truly fun and elaborate activity made this a very memorable and special activity that pleased both adults and children.  Saidels Bakery - www.saidels.com

Mavoch Bemek located in the Emek Valley is a nice activity on the way up North or a great way to spend a low-key afternoon. While the maze does not rival the more sophisticated and complex ones located in the United States, it did take about an hour to complete, and, surprisingly, everyone in our party, including teenagers, participated.  And unlike more elaborate corn field mazes, one can see above the vegetation so there is no way to really get lost. There is also a nice area to picnic where all sorts of board games are set up.  Mavoch Bemek - 04-983-0255 or 050-540-4473

I have attended the annual Open House Tel Aviv (a weekend of open houses) for the past several years.  What was originally a wonderful and well-run event has become a very unpleasant experience as the organizers fail to grapple with expansion.  First, there are the venues which require registration one week prior.  The website provides the date that the registration opens but fails to provide the time (roughly 7:00 AM).  The event organizer let me in on this little secret when one year I stayed up until midnight the day before to register; according to the event organizer, the time is not disclosed on the website in order to prevent the website from crashing (not sure that her answer is the appropriate solution to the problem).  Even with the knowledge that registration begins at 7:00 AM, rarely anyone will succeed in registering for anything.  Events closed out so quickly that I actually...

We agreed to three hours on a boat trying our hand at wake boarding and wake surfing (think water skiing but with boards instead of skis), despite that none of us had any experience in water sports.  To our pleasant surprise, it was an amazing experience where everyone of all ages not only had tons of fun but succeeded!  The boat was beautiful (just sitting and enjoying the ride on the lake was lovely) and the very professional instructors were patient and helpful.   Most importantly, there is a strong emphasis on safety.  For the younger kids, the boats are also equipped with tubing.  We definitely plan on coming back to this well-run professional establishment. Wake Up School - Kibbutz Ein Gev boat deck - www.wakeboard.co.il - reserve in advance!  

As you know by now, I am a foodie who has frequented many of the kosher restaurants in Israel.  I have had many excellent meals over the years, but my recent meal at the newly opened kosher Herbert Samuel in the Ritz Carlton Herzlyia is in a class of its own.  This is the first kosher restaurant for Jonathan Roshfeld, an Israeli celebrity chef.  Words cannot even do justice to the creativity of the dishes, the combination of interesting flavors and the impeccable service.  We asked the waiter to choose dishes that he felt would give us the best dining experience.  We sampled all sorts of beef, poultry and fish, accompanied by a variety of side dishes - nothing disappointed.  The evening was not inexpensive, but it truly was a dining experience that was well worth it. Herbert Samuel - Ritz Carlton Herzlyia - RESERVATIONS A MUST - 073-203-7707 (hotel desk - 09-373-555)

The newly opened Ariel Sharon Park was constructed on the Hiriya landfill which was in use from 1952 through 1999.  The park was built using recycled materials and is slowly expanding to become the largest park in the Middle East.  Guides provide interesting explanations regarding the history of the park, as well as the overall problems with the production of waste in the world.  It is a lovely place to walk, picnic or just spend a nice afternoon.  Currently, the park is hosting the Trash People exhibit - a travelling exhibit consisting of life size figures made entirely out of recycled materials.   Even if you don't make it to the exhibit, the park is a worthwhile destination. Ariel Sharon Park - www.parksharon.co.il Trash People Exhibit - www.hadran.co.il NOTE:  Cars are left in the parking lot and buses transport visitors to the site

Nili Wine House and Restaurant is a lovely restaurant located on the central pedestrian mall in Zichron Yaakov.  The tables located on the terraces are a perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon people watching.  The food is typical of Israeli café style but is fresh and tasty.  The pizza is a sure pleaser. Nili Wine House and Restaurant  - 43 Hamayesdim (on the pedestrian mall), Zichron Yaakov - 04-629-2899