Israel for Beginners

The best thing I can say about Baribas is that it is the only restaurant that is kosher at the Tel Aviv Port (there is Bandolina but that is more of a cafe appropriate for lunch). The dairy restaurant is billed as offering healthy alternatives. It is the perfect place if you are dining out with vegetarians or vegans (and has many gluten-free options as well). Unfortunately, no one at our table found the food or dining experience to be anything but mediocre. And, unlike Bandolina, there is no ocean view. Bariba - 3 Hataruch Street, Tel Aviv Port - 602-5026

I would not make a special trip to see the Caesarea Experience and Time Tower, but if you are visiting the Caesarea port, both are worthwhile and seem to get little traffic (one ticket allows entry to both places). The Caesarea Experience is a 30 minute movie that takes you through the history of Caesarea. While waiting for the movie, you can interact with 3D holgraph figures who shaped the history of Caesarea. After the film, make your way to the Time Tower where an even shorter film will use computerized animation to explain the history of the architecture of the port. Children will probably prefer the Caesarea Experience and Time Tower but both will provide an educational experience to a beautiful place. Caesarea Experience and Time Travel - tickets can be purchased when paying for entry to the park. Reservations can be made by calling *6550, extension 3 or at http://www.caesarea.com/

Soupizza - aptly named because the specialities of the house are soup and pizza - is a charming restaurant located on a quiet off the beaten neighborhood of Tel Aviv. The restaurant is small and intimate and authentically Italian down to the checkered tableclothes. Every night there is a large selection of home made and hearty soups. The many varieties of pizza are also delicious. I personally like the calzones best of all. And don't forget to have the desserts. Service is friendly and good. Kids will love this place. And, best of all, it is a very reasonably priced meal. Soupizza - 56 Yehuda Halevi, Tel Aviv - 03-566-1134

For those of you have been reading my blog for awhile now, you know that there are many wonderful cultural things to do here in Israel BUT there are certain arts that still lag here - ballet being one of them. Therefore, I rushed to buy tickets for the Swan Lake performance by the Mariinky Ballet (formerly Kirov Ballet) at the Caesarea Ampitheatre. The ballet was long and stone stadium seating was not so comfortable (cushions are sold) but it is one of the most outstanding cultural events I have attended here in Israel. New York might rival in terms of pure performance but the ambience of a world-class performance in the outdoor Caesarea ampitheatre at just the right time of year cannot be beat.

The Hurva synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem has actually been built and destroyed several times since originally established in the early 18th century. In 2010, the restoration of the synagogue was completed and the building is now open to the public. One hour tours (given in both Hebrew and English) convey both the architectural beauty of the structure, as well as its rich history. Make sure to join one on your next visit to the Old City. Hurva Synagogue Tour - Old City, Jerusalem -02-626-5900 or hazmanot-rova@012.net.il - RESERVATIONS A MUST

I had high hopes for Armando - a kosher fish and meat restaurant facing the Tel Aviv promendade. The view of the Tel Aviv beach delivered but the rest of the dining experience left much to be desired. The food was mediocre - not at all justifying the high cost of the meal. You would be better off boxing up your own dinner and sitting on the promenade - same outstanding view at a much lower price. Armando - 88 Herbert Samuel Street, Tel Aviv

Where else but in the Yemenite Quarter can you hear the person who serves you a cappucino at a trendy coffee bar sing traditional sefardic shabbat songs? Most tourists visit Neve Tzedek or the Port when visiting Tel Aviv but for true authentic insight into the ethnic side of Tel Aviv, a tour of the Yemenite Quarter is a must. Once again, the tour (in Hebrew) by the excellent Doron Ozer and sponsored by the Tel Aviv Municipality hits all the the beaten tracks of this area of Tel Aviv that has not yet been gentrified and is rich in tradition. And the eating stops along the way (chumus/pita/Yemenite bread) were great! Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality Tours - for a list of tours and times go to www.telaviv.gov.il or call 03-516-6188