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

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

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

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!  

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 

The Dalton Industrial Park contains three wineries and a brewery, making it a great place to go"bar hopping".  At Butterfly Brewery, we had a quick tutorial and sampled the delicious beer (there is also a meat restaurant where we did not eat).  We tasted the excellent wine at Dalton but the staff of the visitor center was not particularly welcoming or friendly.  But if you are looking for the best experience rather than the best wine, Adir Winery and Dairy beats the competition.  There is a ten minute film about the family owned business followed by an excellent brunch overlooking the vineyards.  And for 25 shekels per person, we followed the bunch with a great wine tasting with a staff member.  The wineries are located in the Dalton Industrial Park, Galillee.  Visitors Centers are open to the public but tours should be scheduled in advance. Dalton Winery -  www.dalton-winery.com  - 04-698-7683 - guided tours should be ...

Cafe Gidi is a lovely cafe not far from the Tel Aviv beach.  The food is very tasty and interesting.  We tried the pizza and the beet gnocchi - both of which were very good.  There is a nice outdoor space in the back.  I found the indoor space a bit tight.  I would not make a special trip but if you are in the area, this is a great place to have a good meal. Cafe Gidi - 20 Frishman, Tel Aviv - 03-522-1178

When you walk into a restaurant located in a moshav that is literally in the middle of nowhere and the place is packed on a weekday evening, you know you have discovered something special.  The Roberg meat restaurant is a family business (the Robergs even live downstairs) that has a homey feeling; the family members circulate throughout the meal which is long and leisurely.  But do not be fooled by the lack of pretense in decor or ambience (though the views of the Kinneret are pretty amazing). Opt for the tasting menu where you will be wowed by dishes that are both creative and delicious   (fish in tempura with cherry sauce and wasabi sorbet really works!).  I am still dreaming of my meal. Roberg - Moshav Livnim, Galilee - 04-671-5656- RESERVATIONS A MUST!

Several of my Jerusalem friends have been raving about the Kadosh cafe which has been around for over 40 years; finally I had an opportunity to visit this Jerusalem icon.  The small cafe contains an extensive menu of breakfast fare, pastas, quiches, sandwiches, salads, and of course, baked goods.  The food is very good but the baked goods - specifically the croissants - are truly the stars of this show.  Be warned - it is not a large space and it fills up quickly.  Next time I am in the area, I might just buy some of the baked goods to go. Kadosh Cafe - 6 Shlomzion Hamalka, Jerusalem -  02-625-4210

I love to wander around Tel Aviv and I always stop at one of the several cafes that make my go to list.  I can now add Bakery 29 to that list.  Located on the first floor of a charming Tel Aviv renovated building with seating on the porch or inside, Bakery 29 is a great place to have an enjoyable breakfast or lunch.  I sampled the frittatas and the croissants - all of which were delicious.  And the ambience is lovely.  Best of all, the profits go to an organization called Impact!, which funds higher education for former Israeli combat soldiers who lack financial means. Bakery 29 - 29 Ahad Haam, Tel Aviv - 03-560-2020   

I recently made another visit to both the Israel Museum and Tel Aviv Museum of Art.  The newly created spaces in both museums are definitely worth a visit.  At times, both buildings actually impress more than the actual exhibits.  And while I did not have time to visit either of the cafes at the museums, they do look welcoming and lovely. Israel Museum - Ruppin Boulevard, Jerusalem (near the Knesset) Tel Aviv Museum of Art - 27 Shaul Hamelech Blvd, Tel Aviv

Jerusalem's Machane Yehuda (the "Shuk") is one of Israel's most colorful and charming places to visit, but it can overwhelm newcomers.  Shuk Bites is the solution; for 99 shekels, a punch card purchased online creates a self-guided tour of ten food stalls in and around the shuk.  Many (but not all) of the listed food stalls are a sampling of the best that the shuk has to offer in terms of food.  Make sure that each merchant gives you a history of his stall (along with the tasting samples).  Shuk Bites is a great way to sample some of the best food stalls in the market at a pace that works for each person.  But don't forget to spend some time just exploring on your own! Shuk Bites - to purchase a card, go to www.machne.co.il

Jaffa - filled with history and charm - is a great place to wander around.  But to learn about Jaffa's history in a quick and entertaining way, visit Jaffa Tales in the center square of Old Jaffa.  This 40 minute multimedia experience conveys the history of Jaffa through two entertaining short films and a small sample of the archaeological finds of the area.  A perfect way to learn in an entertaining way! Jaffa Tales - Jaffa, Tel Aviv - To reserve call 03-603-7700 or email tourism@oldjaffa.co.il

We visited this tiny unassuming restaurant based on an off the cuff remark by a friend who had heard about it. When we entered, our expectations were very low. By the time, we left, this quickly became one of our favorite restaurants. The most difficult part was deciding what to order from the endless choices of fish, pastas, pizzas, calzones, breads and desserts. Everything is fresh and homemade (including the pasta which we watched being made as ordered). Everyone in our party from age 8 and upwards absolutely loved their food (no small task in our family of very critical eaters) - enough said! Al Dente - 50 Ussishkin Street, Jerusalem - 02-625-1479 - RESERVATIONS A MUST!