Shiksa in Israel

Glatt Kosher Cruises and Tours for Passover, and More

Kosherica - five-star Glatt Kosher cruise company - recently put out its 2008 cruise vacation schedule.
No, they don't go to Israel but I got excited by the Glatt Kosher thing since Passover is coming.

Here's the link to their list of Passover Destinations
Or you can call them: 305-695-2700 -or- 877-724-5567
Tell them the Shiksa sent you, and tell me how you enjoy the cruise.

a Taste of Israel in Manhattan

One of CSJ's cousins asked us if we didn't think the falafel and hummus in Israel was far superior to that in New York (I already touched this subject in a post about falafel).

After time, we realized that pretty much all the food in Israel was better than food in New York - a realization that hit us hard while trying to satisfy our cravings upon return.
And then we went to Olympic Pita.

ShiksainIsrael is committed to reporting and sharing information about Israel, but she must make an exception for this great restaurant in Manhattan. Fantastic soups, laffa bread, numerous salads and meats...Olympic Pita is a real treat, and a real taste of Israel.

on Fridays they close 2 hours before shabbat, and on Saturdays they open 2 hours after shabbat.

Yatir Winery

How is it that I haven't given you any decent information about Yatir Winery? Their wines - all kosher - are really great, and they are a lovely place to visit for tastings and tours.

While many wineries achieve kosher status by Boiling the Wine, Yatir is considerably more careful. Yatir hires an entirely orthodox staff. In every stage of production only orthodox hands come in contact with the grapes and other ingredients that make up the wine. As you can imagine, it's not cheap to find qualified hands to do this work, certainly not as cheap as a high flame, but you get what you pay for.

Call in advance to arrange a tasting and/or tour. Yatir is just west of Arad.

Yatir Winery
Arad
T: 972-8-995-9090
F: 972-8-995-9050
E: y_yatir@zahav.net.il
www.yatir.net

Te'enim: kosher vegetarian that rocks (ask CSJ)

It's not easy to find but it's worth the struggle - Te'enim is one of the best restaurants in Jerusalem.

Te'enim (which means figs) is...I was almost going to say a hidden gem because it seriously is but that makes me afraid of myself...lovely. CSJ and I sat at a table by a large open window overlooking the edge of the city. We drank lemonada (of course) and ate salads and a sort of quiche and soup.

Te'enim
Emile Botta 12
Yamin Moshe
Confederation House
Jerusalem

(think: behind the King David Hotel)

looks like the NYTimes knows about Te'enim. read here. it's not much, but it's something.

Shwarma on the Beach, Eilat

anyone who can read Hebrew knows that sign actually says 'shVarma"

but who cares about spelling when you're talking about awesome places to eat? that's right, Shwarma on the Beach - in front of the Isrotel Royal Beach in Eilat - rocks. the location is great, it's incredibly clean, and the shaved meat and salads and bread (esp when eaten together in one bite) are heavenly.

CSJ noticed that there are two counters: one for dairy and one for meat. that's a neat trick for being kosher.

need more? check out this picture: