realtelaviv.com

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!