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As you know I almost never recommend events or happenings going on outside Tel Aviv. This is why when I finally decide to do so it means it’s really something worthwhile.

The Shenkar College of Engineering and Design situated in Ramat Gan (but just on the Tlv border) is considered to be THE best school in Israel. If you are interested in learning anything creative, artistic or unique, this is the place. From fashion and jewelry design to industrial design or software engineering, all can be learned in this very special student environment.

But what about all of us who unfortunately were born with no talent whatsoever??? Can’t we enjoy a little art and culture??? This week we can! The graduates of this year in Shenkar are presenting there final works, and this a sight you must see! The exhibition is considered of very high quality and sophistication.     

I am no art critic, but I can definitely say that this is a very high quality and sophisticated exhibition, maybe even more then those of formal and experienced artists presenting in known museums and galleries. The topics of the creation vary from very personal topics to more political and social ones and you can easily get lost wondering through them. The different projects deal with various issues such as literature, recycling, language, life style, aerodynamics and many more.

I don’t really want to effect your impression of the event, that’s why I’M  not going to start babbling about each and every work presented, and t only give you a few word of advice… 

I recommend taking the elevator up to the 7^th floor where the graphics design department is presenting. This is a very colorful and inspiring spread, very well put together and presented. The one presenter which really caught my eye created the coolest short animated film based on messages left on his voice mail, So the film is basically a combination of his grandmother complaining, his commander from the army calling up to come to the reserves, his girlfriend breaking up with him, and lots of other weird and crazy messages… all together it creates a fun and humoristic effect.

After that you just have to go down to the 4^th floor to the amazing and innovated industrial design department. These extremely creative creators have come up with some brilliant ideas, for example one of the students created a line of three different chairs that are made of antique wood and plastic, this might sound simple but the effect combining the old and the modern is just pure genius! Another crazy student explored the world of S&M in her work and came to the conclusion that the classic handcuffs are to big and therefore created the thumb handcuffs! She claims, from personal experience, that the feeling is spectacular!!!  

On your why out don’t miss the jewelry design department, my feeling was that I never know there was so much to do in jewelry design, well turns out I was totally wrong….     

Who knows, maybe some of this artistic creativity will rub off on us tooooo????

Shenkar, 14 Yeda Am corner Hamelaha St, Ramat Gan, 03-6110000, 15^th -29^th of July, Monday- Thursday 17:00-22:00, Tuesday and Friday 10:00-13:00.

This Thursday evening in hot and humid Tel Aviv, my big brother and I were searching for a quiet (but not too quiet) spot where we could have a seat and talk a little about life, it’s meaning and were the hell is it all going…

We started our voyage on King Salomon St. (Hamelech Shlomo), passed by the famous coffee spot “Shine”, but it was much too busy and hectic for our needs, so we kept walking crossing over to King George St. (Hamelech George) hoping to find the perfect getaway there. I remembered a great little pub, called the Post Café (22 King George St.), when I was younger I would hang out here all the time and I haven’t been there in ages…Surprisingly considering the crazy pace of change in Tlv, the Post Café is still exactly the same, it’s a cool, mellow just dark enough joint, where you can have a glass of scotch and listen to some chill out rock sounds, while still being able to enjoy a normal conversation.We were about to have a seat in the Post, but decided to sneak a peak and see what’s new at a side alley on the corner of King George called “Simta Almonit”. The meaning of the name is “The Anonymous Alley”, and there is always something interesting going on it; there used to be a vintage clothing store, then a weird kind of creepy night club and now I can proudly declare I have found a true Tlv treasure on it called the Little Prince.

When entering this magical place you automatically feel you are entering a very spiritual and intellectual environment. The little Prince is a used book store which is much more then a store. It has various sitting spots all over it, inside and out in the garden, unusual but very intriguing types hanging around, and many many books lying around just waiting for you to pick them up. I speak only from my experience, so I can tell you that on a summer Thursday, everyone is chilling in the “fresh air”, some people are actually reading, but most seem to be relaxing, sharing thoughts and absorbing the very special vibe this place gives out. This kind of tranquil zone is very rare in the city and that’s why I felt I just had to share it with you! The owner told me that sometimes the have readings and even live music going on, so I will try to keep you posted on any future events…

As for my brother’s and my insights on life, we still haven’t found all the answers but I think we’re heading in the right direction…

The Little Prince, 3 Simta Almonit, 03-6299387

First things first, I would like to apologize for not writing in the last two weeks, I was abroad and I thought it wouldn’t be a problem to write about the city while being out of it. Turns out I was wrong, big time. I guess I just get my inspiration from living and breathing Tel Aviv. Anyway I am so happy to be back.

In addition I made the horrible mistake of thinking I could rely on my guest writers to fill the void, and again another mistake, I got zero support! So all my guest writers, you know how you are, shame on you, start blogging! I’ve been waiting for an Indian point of view on Tel Aviv by Kiko for about 4 months…

And now to the point….Summer is here, it’s actually been here for a while now but it is getting to the point were the weather is no longer enjoyable but actually kind of icky and sticky!!!! So the only thing to do is find the few places where you can escape from the heat (almost completely) and just enjoy a beer, or yet better a glass of bubbly….

Here are my favorites:

The Uptown (Tel Aviv Harbor)

This is the ultimate summer mega bar, the “in” crowd will definitely find themselves here this summer, all of the regulars of the Landen at the London Ministore during the winter’s Saturday nights have taken over the Uptown completely. We are talking elite, snobbish, want-to-be-seen types, so you have to be ready for it, but I must admit that if you do come prepared, the Uptown is a very good place to have a drink that just might lead to some serious partying. Recommended nights are Wednesday and Saturday and I actually suggest to grab a spot outside so you can feel the sea breeze while you’re flirting the night away…The one thing I can assure you of, is that you’re pictures will be splattered all over Facebook the morning after!

The Toma (1 Daniel Frish St.)

The Toma is a fun place to start the summer evening, it’s outdoors but because of the trees surrounding it, you can strangely feel like you are in a garden in the middle of the city. There are two huge bars, so you have a good chance at finding a spot on the bar (and we all know that’s what it’s all about…). Also important to know is that the Toma is a sports fan bar, meaning that anytime there is some big sporting event going on, you can be certain a big screen will be put up in minutes (ok so the Euro is over, but remember the 2008 Olympics are just around the corner…).  

Metsisim Beach

Obviously the best summer spot for a beer or anything else is the beach, but which beach you ask??? Well for a fun evening atmosphere that still makes you feel you are at the beach go to Metsisim Beach. The sitting is causal (on the sand) drinks are served in plastic cups, and the dress code is nonexistent, but the combo is a fun, relaxed and completely easy going experience. The one thing I have to worn you about is the waitresses, I’m not one to bad mouth, but I have come to the conclusion that beach waitress are idiots! I don’t know why but I’ve checked it out and it is final!

So beware!!!

The Boulevards 

The simplest solution is becoming more and more popular in Tlv, go to the Makolet (meaning the convenience store) buy a six pack, maybe some Bamba (if you don’t know what Bamba is then you are really in trouble) and just find a bench on one of the main boulevards (Rothchild, Ben Burion, Chen). On summer nights these boulevards become filled with action and they are a cool place to feel Real Tel Aviv (and that’s the name of the blog J), there might be frisbee players, some old geezers playing patank, and sometimes even spontaneous jam sessions going on, so be ready for anything…      

The Shoftim (39 Iven Gvirol St) 

A true Tel Avivian can really appreciate the Shoftim. It’s a simple place, no pose, wooden bar stoles and big glasses of beer. I don’t think that most outsiders give the Shoftim a proper chance, so this is why I am inviting you to do so. Here’s the plan: get there rather early, nineish, find a seat outside and enjoy the Balagan of the city. Around ten order a Yellow and Feta Cheese Toast with green olives on the side and prepare to die! This is the best toast you will find in all of Tlv! The nicest part about the Shoftim is that you can basically finish your evening at 11, but still feel like you’ve been out, it is nit the kind of place that “makes” you stay in until the wee hours of night. I love the Shoftim!  

In 2003, UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, declared The White City, a unique urban and historical fabric of Tel Aviv, as a World Cultural Heritage site. Ever since then, the world has been giving the proper recognition to the special architectural qualities of the buildings, streets, squares and avenues of Tel Aviv.

Just so you get the geographical part down, the White City is located between Allenby St in the south, Begin Road and Iben Gvirol St in the east, the Yarkon River in the north, and the Mediterranean Sea in the west.

Since Tel Aviv is always looking to party and celebrate anything, we hurried to find some spectacular way to mark this day and this is how the White Night was created.

White Night in Hebrew, besides its literal meaning, also means “sleepless night”, and this is exactly what’s going to happen Tonight (3.7.08) - Tlv is going to pull an all nighter. So start gathering your sleep because you’re really going to need it…

The options for this night are really endless, so like other great festivals in Tlv, you are just going to have to choose and I will try to help you, here are my recommendations for the night:

The Banana Beach Romantic Night Scene
The Banana Beach, a cool chill hang out on the beach, are organizing an evening in a romantic theme which will include a performance from the Girafot (See Tel Aviv Student Day or http://www.girafot.co.il/) followed by a promising show from the electro - rock band Metropolin (http://www.metropolin.net), a kind of band the fits perfectly to the vibe of a romantic summer vibe. To finish up the cozy feel, they plan on screening the all time favorite “Notting Hill”.
Tel Aviv Promenade, starting from 21:00.

The Night Flea Market
I gave you my input on the Jaffa Flea Market (see the Perfect Day in Jaffa) by day, but now we are talking night time. On this White Thursday, the already authentic and exotic market becomes an even better venue. The event will include street theatre, vintage clothing booths, Tarot card reader, fortune tellers and even an exciting street party to some hard core trance sounds.
Yaffo Flee Market, starting from 22:00.

Food Food Food
The White Night is the perfect time for my favorite hobby: Eating! About 30 different restaurants around town will be open all night and will serve a special white menu. So can wonder freely around the city without having to worry about where you kind find you midnight munch! I suggest visiting Tahel, a great Spanish tapas bar and restaurant on Nahalat Binyamin, offering a wide variety of Spanish specialties. Afterwards you just have to go for the dessert and the place to do it is the Max Brenner on Rothschild Blvd (http://www.maxbrenner.com) also known as THE Chocolateir of Israel. Order some of the unbelievable chocolate pralines but don’t forget to top it up with some home made hot chocolate.

Rock the night away
The Tel Aviv Cinematheque will be hosting an especially fun show cast: live rock video shows and documentaries marathon from the greatest! Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Jim Morrison and Jimmy Hendrix, this will surely give you a Rock & Roll night to remember!
Tlv Cinematheque, 2 Shprinzak St., corner of HaArbaa St.

These boots are made for walkin’
Anyway you look at it this is a night to be spent wondering around and exploring the city. Come to think of it, forget all my suggestions! Just walk the streets and find your white night! The streets will be packed full of interesting people enjoying the various events, and all kinds of planned and unplanned attractions will pop out of every corner. There will be street shows on Sderot Ben Gurion and Sderot Rotchshild, and the latter will also feature unique lighting on about 50 Bahaus style buildings. Museums and galleries will be open until the wee hours of the night and will host special events, and you’ll discover the best things simply by exploring.

My suggested route (Which was my route for White Night 2007): Start around 8-9pm from Kikar Atarim, which is where Sderot Ben Gurion hits the waterfront, walk down Sderot Ben Gurion to Kikar Rabin, from there take a right and walk on Sderot Chen all the way up to Habima, and then on Sderot Rotschild all the way down to Alenby street. Take a right on Alenby, and walk on Alenby until taking a left on Ehad Ha’am. Walk down Ehad Ha’am into Neve Tzedek, and at the end of Ehad Ha’am take a quick right and quick left to Shabazi. Walk down to the beach front, and then take a left towards Jaffa. At this point you’ll either be tempted into one of the beach front parties, or too tired to move.. If you’re finished, take a cab back home..

Have a wonderful white night!

This Monday Tel Aviv is going to have the pleasure of hosting one of the most well known, definitely one of the most talked about, D.Jane in Europe. Her Name is Niki Belucci, she is from Hungary and she’s considered a symbol of Youth, Freedom, Erotica and many other good things…

She studied in order to become a caterer but soon after made a big change and turned to erotic photography and found herself in the porn profession! After 6 months in this field she returned to her old hobby, DJ-ing and ever since then (2003) she has been playing all over Hungary and the neighboring countries. Today she is a hit! Niki is very easily recognized as she DJ- ies while she is topless!!! I’m talking nothing at all on top! Well, once in a while she might put on some small (tiny) cover but you still get the same effect.

Now before I get all caught up here and it starts to sound like I am completely gay, I’ll give you a little info about this exciting event. First of all it’s going to take place on Monday and I think this is reason enough to go party. Monday is a bad day in Tlv, almost nothing is going on and surely nothing as exciting as we are talking here.

Secondly the whole event is sponsored by AXE (a men’s care products company) under the title “The Dirtiest Event of the Year”, this is the kind of name that gets you curious and since there are not that many details out there on what exactly is going to be in there, you are just going to have to check for yourselves (or wait for my report…)

Here are the details we do have: the evening will start from 19:30 with the most beautiful sunset in Israel, followed by a very cool performance from Terry Poison (www.terrypoison.com), an interesting Israeli electronic band consisting 3 hot chicks (one of them Gili Saa’r was even a modal in her past). Terry Poison go totally crazy when performing and their unique energy can go to very wild and unexpected places, that why I think the combination with Miss Belucci will be just perfect!

Dj JoMaJo (from the Audio Junkies) will finish off the night with his killer electro style.

My recommendation is to come early so you can enjoy the full experience, also I hear the amount of guests is limited… If you want to reserve a table, just call one of these numbers (BIG - 052-4499188, DanKo - 054-4852741).
So come on everyone, let’s welcome the summer and get down and dirty!

Clara on the Sea, Dolphinarium Tel Aviv, Tlv Pramanode Starting for 19:30

This weekend I was literally forced to leave my sweet, comfortable, busy Tel Aviv, as the company I work for decided to take all of us employees for a weekend in Eilat. Normally I wouldn’t be caught dead in Eilat, but when the boss is paying, even I can’t say no to a suite at the Hilton.

So I packed my bags, my husband, and some good friends, knowing that I had two goals for this weekend:

1. Take as little part as possible in organized company activities (because all this group bonding makes me want to throw up).
2. Try to find as many things in Eilat that would make me feel like I am still in Tlv.

I am happy to announce that I succeeded in both missions way way beyond my expectations!!! I actually managed to participate in only one of the millions of company events that filled this short weekend, and still it was quite a traumatic experience, as it included the CEO of the company singing “Pretty Woman” in the karaoke version..

As for mission number 2#, I was very surprised to find out the Eilat has a lot of Tel Aviv, or more accurately, wanna be Tlv, in it…So I give you a few Tel Aviv like activities and tips:

Santa Fe Restaurant
Santa Fe (http://www.santa-fe.co.il)) is a Mexican grill restaurant, which really means it’s a very good place to have a shot of Tequila (the original kind with the worm and everything). My attraction to this is spot is because of its similarity to my all time favorite place in Tlv, Chimichanga. Sadly Chimichanga was burnt down a few months ago and now it seems that you have to travel all the way to Eilat in order to find some decent chicken fajitas. They also make quite a good imitation of Chimichanga’s classic Lemon Margarita, so that you can return to the hotel pool just a little bit tipsy…
Northern Beach, in front of the Caesar Hotel, 03-6338081

The Reef Beach
In Eilat, just like in Tlv, to really enjoy a day at the beach you have to find a beach that fits you. This weekend I found my beach: The Reef Beach. The beach is situated at a distantance from the center of town (towards the border with Egypt, but not really close to it…), and this gives it a quiet, calm atmosphere. Just in front of the water you can lay back and relax on some very cozy beach sofas, while ordering a beer or a Bacardi breezer (a drink you can really drink only in Eilat, Ha Ha Ha ). For you wind/ kite surfers, this is the beach where all the sportive action is happening, and this automatically makes it the place to find some hotties, I was lucky enough to spot the famous Noam, star of the Israeli version of Survivor…
Southern Beach (Eilat-Taba Road) Near the Reef Hotel

Olla Tapas Bar
Another symptom of the Tel Avivness in Eilat can be seen in the Eilati tapas bar named Olla (http://www.olla-tapas.co.il/). A tapas bar is with out a doubt the funnest place to pass an evening with a light layed back dinner, this definitely fits the essence of Eilat!!!. Order two glasses of Cava (even in Tlv I have never been asked whether I prefer my Cava dry or half dry!!!), a few tasty tapas, whichshould be split into vegetarian, meat and fish, and of course don’t forget the house bread to complete the experience and soak the Cava… I must admit that even though the tapas are very good and appetizing, they still lack that Tlv specification and elegance, and this is what leaves you with the urge to get back to Tlv and make a reservation at Tapeo
7 Tarshis St, in front of the Bell Hotel, 08-6325566.

The Herods’ Hotel Mall
Anyone you ask will tell you Eilat is the place to shop, and the main reason in because there is no VAT on the products, and this makes the spending much easier…also something in the dry hot weather makes you lose your head and open your wallet. Most people go straight to the main mall called the “Mall Facing the Sea“, but I can save you the trouble and send you to where the really good shopping is taking place, just under the Herods Hotel. This “Boulevard” has a few very nice stores and boutiques like the FM Store that carries brands like GSUS, Pepe Jeans and Meltin Pot. This is also the only place you can find a normal Tel Aviv kind of coffee at Arcaffe (Its not exactly like Tlv coffee, but its close enough).
Northern Beach, under the Herods Hotel

The 3 Monkeys Bar
Ok, so this last item has absolutely nothing to do with Tel Aviv, and this is because there in no way in the world you can compare between the exciting lively night life Tlv offers and the amusing, a little bit pathetic, stuck in the eighties Eilat scene. You just have to go with the flow, expecting nothing, and then you might be surprised for the better. The 3 Monkeys bar is a good place to start; it’s a big bar, situated on the promenade, and it is always packed full. Nothing changes at the monkeys, meaning it still looks and feels the same as it did when I was there ten years ago, and I guess this is its charm. So go in, order some weird large cocktail that you can order only in Eilat, and maybe some fun cover band will be playing in the background, YaYaYa!
Northen Beach, under Royal Beach Hotel, 08- 6368989

This Thursday night, the sounds of music are going to take over Tlv completely!
7 different venues will present various types of sounds from all over the world.
This is a big tradition in many major cities around the world, especially in Europe, and is becoming some what of a recurring event in Tlv as well - This is already the third year in a row…

Starting from 20:00 in the evening you can find the happenings at scattered stages around town. I actually recommend walking from one to the other, as it’s not too far and this is a good way for you to really get into the rhythm.

Start your voyage at the front yard of the Tel Aviv Museum (one of places I recommended for finding your Artsy Husband! Hahaha, 27 Shaul Hamelech Blvd), where the Dag Nachash are playing (See Tlv Music Live Scene) and also the most crazy, groovy, uplifting band in Israel, Funknstein (http://www.funknstein.com). Funknstein plays funk and soul music combined with a bouncy sound, and many of the songs are covers of hits from the 60’s and 70’s, but they also play their own materials. This is the kind of band that you can not stay indifferent towards, and they will surely make you feel some wild vibrations and just make you want to shout!. A French band named Elzef will also play here, they are considered quite a music phenomenon. With a mixture of Hip Hop, Theatrical Chanson and African music they create a unique combination that has earned them many fans around France.

After finishing up here, walk towards the Tlv Cinematheque (2 Shprinzak St., corner of HaArbaa St., and also another good place to find the Artsy…) where you will hear more of a rock show from the Blues Messengers (http://www.myspace.com/bluesmsgr). The Blues Messengers are an Israeli band that plays cover versions to Rock and Blues artists from the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton and more, they are a lot of fun and they take you back to the old days completely even though you where never there… The Messengers will be joined by Hemi Rodner, one of Tlv’s real rock dinosaurs who always helps a rock performance get its edge.

Now move towards Rothschild Blvd, where various musicals ensembles, from samba to shanty Indian music, Bossanova and even Klezmer music will be playing and all the cool neighborhood people will slowly come out to see what’s going on. From here take a sharp left towards the Hashmal Garden, where the acoustic shows will be taking place, (Arial Hurwitz, Rafi Perski and Noam Rotem and other lonesome, whiny kind of artisits) .

I am pretty sure that by now you will be sick of all this worldly music and will be dying for something to eat, but if you still want to feel like part of the party, try Juz and Luz (51 Yehuda Halevi St. 03- 5606385), a homey yet very chicky resto- bar, popular with the gay crowd but also with other crowds. Here you will surely find the perfect ending to a great busy evening…

Ok, so I am clearly not objective but I still believe that what I am saying is completely true; there is nothing like a good Jewish Israeli Guy. Speaking from years of experience, I can tell you that Israeli guys are just something else, they have that certain je ne sais quoi to them, maybe it’s the army dust still left on their broad shoulders, maybe the amazing tan they have from the many many summer days, or maybe it’s the warm sweet way they kiss their mothers. Anyway you just HAVE to find yourself one, and here is how to do it in Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv is a city which has gathered people from all over the country (and also the world) and is constantly trying to shape them and fit them into the Tlv stencil. But although you can sometimes mistake a “new” Tel Avivian with an original one, there are usually some differences that even Tlv can not erase. So when looking for your perfect Israeli Guy in Tlv, you’re bound tol run into a few different type casts.

The Kibbutznik
When I think good old Zionist Israel I automatically think Kibbutz, and when I think of the Kibbutz I mainly think of the Kibbutznik! Tall, handsome, shy but witty, the kind of guy who can take you camping with 2 minutes notice because he already has all of the stuff in the back of his 1981 Tender (an old rundown pickup). The only problem with the Kibbutznik is that he lives on the Kibbutz!!! Who wants to live on a kibbutz?! This is why the Tlv Kibbutznik is the best version out there, he has cleaned up a little from the farm and found his way to conquer Tlv. To find him I recommend going out to very casual pubs, the Kibbutznik can be found here because this is the kind of place that makes him feel at home, Try The Kosit (Kikar Rabin 5, 03-5223244) or The Shoftiem (39 Iben Gvirol St., 03-6951153) both have a homey environment and very good snacks, especially the yellow and feta cheese toast at The Shoftiem which is to die for!

The Artsy
The Artsy Tlv Guy can be found in a few different locations, and he doesn’t have a lot of identifying marks, so you really have to search for him.. One good spot to track him down is in the front yard of the Tel Aviv Museum (27 Shaul Hamelech Blvd, 03-6077020), the artsy might stop here for a rest or a cigarette after a long visit at the newest exhibition. Another possible location is the Tlv Cinematheque (2 Shprinzak St., corner of HaArbaa St., 03-6060800) where all the quality and foreign films are screened, and where a lot of happenings go down. Last but a very good possibility, you might find the Artsy wondering around Rothschild Blvd. admiring the beautiful Bauhaus buildings. Keep your eyes wide open in search for the one..

The Stoner/ Surfer
Why did I attach these two types, which are clearly so very different?! Only because they meet at the beach!!! Even though they are involved in completely different “activities”, they are, geographically speaking, in the same radius, and this gives you the chance to kill two birds with one stone. The main surfer/stoner beaches are Metzitzim beach, Jerusalem Beach (both part of the Tlv promenade) and also recommended is the Pirtsa Beach (on the border of Tlv and Herzliya), which is not an official beach and therefore you have to go through a hole in a fence to get in (the meaning of the word Pirtsa is loophole), but when you get in it is true surfer/ stoner heaven, the combination of a good swell (What is this word?) and a psychedelic sunset is perfect for courting.

The Lawyer/ Accountant/ Broker
Now if you are looking for some serious marriage material, the kind that will make your mother happy and will also buy you the diamond ring you’ve always dreamed of, this is where you should be: Since these types are basically all work and no play, you will have to go to the source in order to real get some action going. Try to ambush them during their lunch hour! The only time a day that they might give you the time of day. Large concentrations of this type cast can be found eating lunch in any of the restaurants on Rothschild Blvd, in the Azrieli Shopping mall, or at the area of the courts houses on Shaul Hamelech Blvd. The best opening line would probably be a head line from today’s The Marker..

The Muscle man
If bulk is your thing, Tlv has become quite a factory in fitness rooms, actually every three block you can find some gym or other exercise place, and somehow, not very surprisingly, they have become one of the best places to find a date in town. The sweat, the endorphins releasing, the stupid small talk about a new fitness trend, create an ideal setting for smoozing. My favorite gym is called Pure (http://pure.co.il/) it’s centrally situated, has a sleazy enough atmosphere, and a lot of really cute guys walking around in very short running shorts.

Let the hunting begin……

We can all feel it everywhere, summer is definitely here! There is no doubt that there are a lot of minuses to the season: sweat, horrendous heat waves, much too many people at the beach, and many more annoying aspects. However there is one fun and joyful element especially designed for all of us ladies: The summer dress!!!

I am without a doubt a shopping freak, and I basically love buying any piece of clothing, shoes or accessories; but my all time favorite has always been the summer dress, and I think it will stay this way forever.This is due to three main reasons: the weight, the colors, and the price. The summer dress has literally no weight; you can wear it in the worst Sharrav and feel like you are walking around naked, and you can turn around in circles like a ballerina and feel light as a feather. The colors available in summer dresses are endless, more than the colors of the rainbow! They are really not dependent on the fashion of the certain season; it is like the summer dress is above even the strictest fashion instructions. Last but not least is the extremely attractive price of the summer dress.You can find a variety of very cool and useful dresses at a price range of between 100- 300 Shekels, and this makes the buy much more easygoing and spontaneous.

Over the last few years I have investigated Tlv from top to bottom and have personally chosen a few highly recommended spots to find your summer dresses:

Kala
Kala is the kind of store where you have to try everything on, not because the items seem so appealing that you can’t help yourself - it’s actually because most of the dresses have a weird kind of old fashion look, and unless you try them on, there is no way to discover their potential beauty. You also have to be very thorough when going through the hangers because there is usually something hiding in the back. I was at the Dizengoff branch (the better branch by far) last week and I swear there were about 300 different dresses there to choose from. After you have found the dress of your dreams, walk a few meters north to the Kala shoe store and find the matching pair of shoes.
Kala,12 Baalei Melacha St (right off Sheinkin), 184 Dizengof St. and 218 Dizengof St (Shoes).

Filya
This is one of the coolest clothing boutiques in Tlv, the minute you enter you automatically feel that you are not cool enough and in the objective of becoming a little bit cooler you will have to buy something, preferably a dress! The store staff is very trendy as well and they can be extremely helpful in finding the right piece, so don’t hesitate to ask. Before you leave, if you want to complete the perfect the look, the store carries some really nice hoop earrings in some pretty unconventional colors.
Filya, Frishman 88 (Kikar Masarik)

Pull & Bear
I don’t normally recommend clothing chains as a place to find THE item for you, but P&B is my exception. For at least 10 years now, I’ve visit one the branches to check out the summer collection, and I am always surprised (you would think I’d get it by now) from the fun, casual and sporty dresses I find there. The prices are completely affordable and the quality is also quite good. Some of the dresses I’ve bought here have lasted for 2-3 seasons. So don’t be a snob and buy some mass productions, once in a while.
Pull & Bear, Dizengoff Center Mall & Ramat Aviv Mall

Hafatzim
Actually this is a home accessories and life style store where you can buy many different kind of great things to improve the looks of your home (or even your sublet). But a few years ago (http://www.hafatzim.com) they started to sell clothing items which are mostly Indian styled and made from flowing, soft fabrics and light soothing colors. More then half of this collection are summer dresses, all fun, light and very feminine, they will make you feel like your are back in the villages of north India, but in style.
Hafatzim, 27 Shlush St., Neve Tzedek.

Let the summer shopping begin….

I have a confession to make to all you readers: From day one I have presented myself as a true born and raised Tel Avivian, yet this is only partially true…I really grew up in a neighborhood just outside of Tlv named Ramat Aviv Gimel.
I corrected this horrible error the minute I had the chance to leave my parents’ house by movingto central Tlv , but some of north Tlv’s charm still stuck to me.

And so I give you the perfect day in my childhood territory of North Tel Aviv.

Morning
My morning suggestion might seem a bit odd, cause it is just a neighborhood spot called Café Gimel (It used to be my regular hangout, almost like the Peach Pit in Beverly Hills 90210), but they serve one of the best breakfasts in town, and if you are not in the mood for the traditional Israeli B-fast, try ordering their Florentine Salad, it is kind of a hot and cold salad that is soooo gooood.

From their take the all time favorite No. 27 Bus to 10 Haim Levanon St. straight to the greatest history museum in Israel, the Palmach Museum (www.palmach.org.il). This is a museum covering the Palmach legacy through the stories of individuals and groups. The Palmach was one of the major fighting forces of the jews in Israel during the British Mandate, before the country was born. Visitors to the museum join the group of young Palmach recruits from the time of its establishment, and then advance through the story of the Palmach until the end of the War of Independence. This is such a fun experience, you completely forget you are visiting a museum because the presentation is extremely innovative. There are no displays or documents; instead there is a collection of some fascinating personal stories accompanied by 3D decor, films and various effects.

Noon
I think now is the perfect time to do some shopping. and as I’ve mentioned before, the Ramat Aviv Mall is the mall of all malls. It’s really a place that gives malls around the world a good rep. It’s elegant, prestigious and even a little snobbish, but all in a good way : ). The collection of stores in excellent, from Diesel and Miss Sixty, to Zara and Castro, everyone can find what ever they need and especially everything that they don’t need. It is an extremely good place to find shoes, as there are about 10 different shoe stores in the mall. The most recommended is Emmanuel, which iss an Israeli brand that imports most of its items from Italy and France; I visit there at least twice a season.

Shopping always makes me hungry, how about you? I suggest not going too far, just take a cab to Tel Baruch Beach, or more accurately to the Sea and Sun complexthat hosts the Turquoise Restaurant (03-6996306). Ask for a table outside so you can watch the sea, and maybe even wait for the sunset (it’s worth it). Turquoise has been around for years (since 1991) and it is the kind of restaurant that is just good - anything you eat is delicious, fresh and beautifully served. Take for example the Israeli salad - what can be so exciting about some cucumbers and tomatoes cut to small pieces?! Well, it turns out that this can be some amazing delight! Other than that you just have to order a bottle of wine from the 1500 bottle selection; Most evenings the restaurant’s somalie will be running around and will be free to give you some recommendations. I guess you’ve realized by now that this festive meal is going to cost, and you are absolutely right - Turquoise is a very expensive pleasure, so come prepared. If the whole thing sounds to fancy or just over your budget, you can go to the Tel Baruch beach restaurant instead. They serve Hamus, Falafal, French Fries and other beach delights, and you can watch the same sunset for a bargain price.

Evening
Like I have said many times before, night life is central Tel Aviv only! But there is one funny kind of neighborhood bar which you can go to in order to see how the locals live (hahaha). It’s called Rosh Pina (17 Brodsky St, Ramat Aviv 03-6427062), but it’s known as just Pina. It’s a simple, rundown, student bar, but it’s fun and it doesn’t have the pose that center Tlv bars have. Once in a while it can be a refreshing change.

Other then this, the only place fun after hours I can think of, is directed to those of you who are Salsa lovers. The Focus club(64 Einstein St, 03-6411262) is one of the oldest and most popular salsa clubs in Tlv. It started as a thing for the students of Tlv University, but grew to be quiet an establishment. The big events take place an Thursday nights, but you can find some beginners classes on other days of the week, so call before you get there.

So in conclusion, what can I say, I have a soft spot for this area and I just wanted to shares it with you, enjoy the day…