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…










1 response so far ↓
1 vanish // Jun 10, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Zara is closed for renovation till Sep.!!
So sad
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