*** Here's a condensed post as I try to finish up all our pre-Covid trip reports.
Our flight from Paris to Tel Aviv on EL AL was on time and uneventful.
We were fed pretty well on the flight and arrived at Ben Gurion Airport right before 5pm. Getting a taxi to our hotel was also very easy and took about half an hour. Not quite sure about how long it would take, I made reservations at a restaurant I wanted to try, which was a nice walk from our hotel at 8pm. The restaurant is right next to the Carmel Market and I'd read a bit about the place.
On this Sunday evening, things were pretty quiet….and we really enjoyed the wonderful flavors and freshness of the food.
From the Cauliflower with Tahini….
To the Creamy-Smoky eggplant, to the slightly tangy-acidic Matbucha (a Arabic/Moroccan Roasted Tomato dish).
And the savory Cured Fish with Soft Egg…..
This was a wonderful meal and a great way to start our visit to Israel. I wish we were a bit more hungry and were able to try more dishes, but we left quite satisfied.
HaBasta
HaShomer St. 4
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
The next morning; our only full day in Tel Aviv, we headed out early. Taking a walk thru the very quiet (on this morning) Carmel Market.
The fragrance of spices floating thru the air…..
And then past Hassan Bek Mosque….
To Charles Clore Park, where we could see Old Jaffa ahead of us.
We walked along to the beach area, where we saw this cat…..
Who was undoubtedly checking out these pooches having a great day at the beach!
We took a quick detour to check out the the Clock Tower and Saraya House in the old town.
There is so much much history here.
We took time to check out the Clock Tower which was built by the Ottoman's in 1901.
That structure to the left of the clock tower is the Saraya House and was once the residence and offices of the Turkish Governor. It was blown up by the Lehi a militant group.
We walked along the street checking out various churches and folks just going thru daily life.
There was quite a bit to take in here…… from the Monastery of St Nicholas to many other places which had no signs…….
There always seemed to be something that would catch your eye.
I was starting to get a bit hungry and really wanted to try a place that wasn't too far away so we headed up the stairs from Nemal Yafo Street connecting to HaShahaf Street….
To a place I'd a good deal about Hummus Abu Hassan, a very low keyed, but very busy little shop.
The folks here were very nice and even though the place was bustling we ordered and found a table.
Even though it was not even 10am, the place was busy. Our order arrived in minutes and just look at this will ya'….it is by far the most delici-yoso hummus I've ever had.
The Masabacha was amazing. And one of the old timers even showed us the proper way to eat it. You take the wonderful pita and dip it in the peppery lemon sauce, then the hummus, then you eat it was some of the sinus clearing onion! It was sooooo good.
During our short "brunch" we saw two taxis stop in front of the restaurant and older women get out of the car, walk up to the counter and pick up their hummus! This place really lived up to what I had read. In fact, twice during our stay in Jerusalem we mentioned this place and kinda impressed the locals!
Hummus Abu Hassan
Ha-Dolfin St. 1
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
We finished up and walked back to our hotel.
And wandered the streets along the way.
We had a nice cup of tea back at the hotel…..
And then it was nap time.
We awoke later that afternoon and went back out for a stroll…spending most of our time around the beach area, walking from one end to the other.
The people (and pooch) watching was fun.
This being near the end of November, the sun would set around 430pm, and we were treated to a beautiful one.
After the sun went down we wandered around a bit more; then decided on some dinner. We just wanted something quick and easy and another place; fairly close to our hotel came to mind; Falafel Razon.
I had wanted to try some falafel; so this was our chance….
And whoa; much like the hummus, this was a game changer for us. I'd never had falafel that was so crisp outside, but almost creamy inside.
Man we were eating well.
Falafel Razon
King George St. 17
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
We really enjoyed Tel Aviv; it was laid back and the folks were nice. We had only one full day in the city, but it was fun.
Tomorrow would be a busy day; we'd headed to Masada, the Dead Sea, and then off to Jordan!