LeNagev: Israelis have a word that explains how to wipe the hummus with your pita! Everyone here knows how to “LeNagev”.
Local Life
The Galilee is often referred to as the Tuscany of Israel – we personally think it's even better. The beauty seems to be never-ending with rolling hills, sun-drenched mountain paths, landscapes of lush greenery. But, beyond the stunning outdoors, the real beauty is in the mingling of traditions, religions and cultures unique to Israel. Druze, Bedouins, Bahai and Moroccans live side by side. New dishes and regional twists on standards arise wherever you go. The GCI is only 2-3 hours from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; there will be many opportunities to travel on your own or in groups with your newfound friends.
One of the fascinating aspects of Israel is that its tiny size allows you to travel from one corner of the country to the other corner in just a few hours. Despite its compact appearance, Israel has a plethora of geographic features, from deserts in the Negev to mountains in the Galilee, Carmel, and the North all the way to the largest makhtesh (crater) in the world (the Ramon Crater) to the lowest place in the world, the Dead Sea (approximately 414 meters below sea level). All of this glory is approachable and easy to access, and through day trips, the GCI will help you experience food through visits to the gems of Israel.
36 Hours in Tel Aviv
For those of you considering traveling to Israel for this amazing culinary education, this article is perfect for you!
Keren Brown, author, chef and friend of The GCI who lives in Seattle and Tel Aviv compares the two cities in this captivating article.
My name is Keren Brown, and I live in two worlds: Seattle and Tel Aviv. I love both places equally. I wrote the Food Lovers’ Guide to Seattle, a book about the best restaurants and food gems in Seattle. I did this when I lived in Seattle and spent my days popping into every eatery in the Pike Place Market or cooking up local fish with a cookbook in hand. Now, although I still spend some of my time in Seattle every year, I currently live in Tel Aviv with my husband and three kids.
Today, I would like to invite you to experience a weekend in my shoes, jampacked with lots of local food, shopping, and plenty of walking! Tel Aviv is a city that is best discovered by foot or by bike, and taxis are reasonably priced and a great way to get around. The municipality put a big emphasis on lifestyle; wifi is free almost everywhere, there is free gym equipment along beaches and parks and lounge chairs are abound. Step into the weekend with me!
Friday
Experience a Luxury Israeli Buffet
The ideal Israeli breakfast starts at Mashya, a high-end restaurant nestled in a boutique hotel in the center of Tel Aviv. Chef Yossi Schitrit, one of the top chefs in the city, combines North African cooking and Israeli cooking with delicate touches of molecular gastronomy. Israeli breakfasts are fabulous at any hotel, but Mashya has a buffet that goes on forever.
Just imagine it: fresh bread, straight from the oven with homemade labaneh (strained yogurt cheese), roasted peppers, goat milk yogurt in mason jars with toasted granola, and lots of shakshuka – including the white version with creamy yogurt sauce featuring eggplant, spinach, sumac, and almonds.
(Mashya, 5 Mendeli St, http://www.mashya.co.il/)
To read the full article, click here.