Start with an amazing idea: A food photography festival Add an ideal location: Tarragona, Spain. Make sure the creator of the festival is the best: that would be Gunter Beer – world class photographer Assemble the main ingredients: talented photographers … Continue reading
They’ve left. Twenty-one days of non-stop in-house guests. Two old friends from New York decided to visit at the same time – separately and without knowledge of the other’s intent. One is a dear friend that I haven’t seen in three years. The other was an old friend that I hadn’t seen in twenty. It could have been disastrous – how would I divide my attention between two friends? How would I make them feel comfortable, wanted and treasured? What if my husband didn’t like the one he didn’t know. Fear not – it all went beautifully and although I am exhausted and fatter – I’d do it all again!
When C called and said she’s ready to make the reservation I was thrilled. We’ve been talking about her coming to visit Israel for several years. Her husband didn’t feel like making the trip (anyway someone has to be on doggie patrol) so she decided to fly solo. I couldn’t contain my excitement – and started making plans of all the things I wanted to do with her. So did my husband! They’ll go biking here, and there, and he reminded me to tell her to bring her pedals, and her helmet and on the pre-trip phone calls they chatted non-stop in their very cute, very unintelligible for me, bike talk.
She walked into arrivals looking gorgeous – swathed in a hot pink sweater and black capri pants. Did she have to look so damn good? And from the moment she arrived at my house, she never stopped smiling, laughing, talking, helping, organizing, cooking (veggie chili!) and playing with the dogs (brushing them too!). She brought me all the things I asked for, and some surprises, which was so appreciated. We shelpped to different parts of the country, we ate way too well, we met with some friends, we hung out at some favorite joints, we had a glorious Rosh Hashanna dinner and she managed to get in quite a few bike rides. We’re already planning the next trip here.
Then K arrived. She was going to stay with us for two days, before heading off to meet a friend of hers. So another female was added to the mix and I think my husband just loved all the girlie chatter. Each woman got her own room, so they had complete privacy when they wanted it. K immediately unloaded her suitcase and loaded me up with a bunch of samples – she is a representative of many interesting beauty and body care products and I became the beneficiary! Can you imagine the smile on my face? She also brought me the manual I needed to teach me InDesign – which will hopefully allow me to format that novel I was supposed to have done by now. That alone could have caused her to be overweight but she gladly shlepped it for me.
More eating, drinking, entertaining, etc. etc. More shlepping around to fun places. No one asked to be taken anywhere – both guests were extremely modest in their requirements – basically they had none. But feeling proud of this adopted country of mine, and wanting to share all the wonderful advances Israel has made in the last decade or so, I couldn’t help but take them to designer restaurants, Moroccan cafes, renovated artsy neighborhoods, crafts fairs and more. I love sharing all the exciting places that I know about – and they loved visiting them.
Yesterday was Saturday, the first day of being alone. And instead of reveling in the quiet, we went to Tel Aviv to share a yummy brunch with good friends. They prepared and we ate. And since they were celebrating a significant wedding anniversary, who could say no to all that champagne? Who could say no to baked brioche with egg, olives and spinach inside? With an almond cake, sorbet and later ice cream for yet another dessert, can you imagine how my clothes no longer fit?
From there we drove down HaYarkon Street in Tel Aviv, which is parallel to the beach promenade and we walked into the new development called “HaTachanah”. Its a shopping and cafe area made out of the old British/Turkish railway station. I didn’t even know the place existed! Well, bravo to Tel Aviv – its gorgeous! Upscale shops, cute buildings from another era, lovely looking cafes – all there across the street from the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re coming to Israel – don’t miss it.
So… I enjoyed every minute of having my friends here BUT I didn’t do a stitch of work. I added to the pile of papers on my desk without bothering to sort them. I totally ignored my novel, which is in desperate need of attention, I didn’t practice the new software program I learned and for sure by now I’ve forgotten everything.
I was so tired and worn out from all the goodness that I called Nelly, the magic masseuse and asked if there was any chance I could see her. She made time for me and am I ever grateful! After her fingers worked out the knots and tensions in my body, I’m ready to start life again.
Tuesday evening I’ll be flying to Barcelona, then off to Tarragona to enjoy the international Food Photo Festival. I can’t wait! One week of being in the company of brilliant photographers, cooks, foodies and like-minded people. I suppose the eating orgy will continue. And I suppose I’ll continue to wear clothes with elastic waistbands.
Ah, the problems life presents.
A dear friend (let’s call her C) just came from the States for a visit. She hasn’t been here in many years and it was my desire to make her every moment in this country (Israel) pure joy. I think I succeeded. Too much so! And now that she’s gone back home, I can’t seem to shake the self-indulgent, utterly hedonistic behavior. Continue reading
I grew up a nice Jewish girl from Queens. Who ever thought that I’d be planning lunch dates according to Ramadan! 
It all started with my Gourmet Culture Club – a series of lectures and lunches that I hold in my home. Topics vary, attendants vary, but its always a group of interested, interesting women. And the common denominator is they want to get together, have fun, and eat well.
We planned a reunion, to celebrate a few July birthdays and just to meet again. Our restaurant du jour was “Sudfeh”, an extraordinary place serving nouvelle cuisine Arabic cuisine in Nazareth. What a day it was!
First, the July planned meeting got postponed until August. (Try planning a get-together with a bunch of women – see how many dates you have to try!). Then, one of our group, Ola, observes the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, when no eating is allowed during the day – so our rendezvous had to be before the start of Ramadan. We finally got it together.
Rachel arrived at my house, having just landed the night before from Sweden. “Nothing is going to stop me from joining you – I canceled everything!”. Then we drove to the train station to pick up Nizza, who came in from Tel Aviv. She left her restaurant “Boccaccio” in the capable hands of others for the day, in order to be with us. And off we went to Nazareth.
Now, I’m probably the only person on earth without a GPS in the car. Would I remember how to get there? With the help of a wise husband, and two women who certainly know their way around this country, we made it – it record time!
We waited on the road for Aml, who was coming from the village of Tur’an. Thank God for cell phones, we could keep in constant touch. Yeah, and try talking to someone on your speaker phone when the other occupants of the car are excitedly chatting away. “Where are we, ask her what village this is.” “Oh, look over there – that shop looks so interesting.” “Wait, are we at the right mall?” “Could this be Nazareth, no I think we’re in a small town.” “Ann, can you hear me, I’m at the light, I’m coming up right behind you.” Then Aml, on the phone with Ola who’s in her car “Yes, over there by the mall, Anne’s waiting in the car.” A black car pulls up, the driver gets out, he opens the door, out comes Ola and walks over to our car. Drivers are swerving out of the way, traffic is merging because the lanes are blocked (no, not because of me). She gets in, kisses all around. Excitement, talking, where’s Aml?
Aml pulls up and still on the phone, tells me to follow her to where she’ll park and then join us. We follow. I’m feeling like I’m in a bad spy movie. She pulls a U-turn and parks. Runs across the street, ignoring the traffic and slips into my car. More kissing, smell of lovely perfumes, excitement. Nizza’s phone rings – her daughter is nearby for business and would love to join us – where are we? Oh sure, try and explain it to her.
Aml directs me from the back seat in between talking to everyone. We reach the promenade of Nazareth with its beautiful views of the city beyond. Oops, she tells me I just passed the gallery she wants us to see. Do another U-ie, and park. We all pile out and head over to this little cute gallery. There are so many of us we can hardly fit in there – but its owned by a lovely woman, Mary Farah, and she and her co-worker are so happy to host us.
Palestinian handicrafts, Moroccan ceramics, and all kinds of goodies.
Ola buys some lanterns – part of the custom for Ramadan. We’re happy, but hungry – when do we eat? Back to the car, drive a bit, remind Aml to stop chatting and guide me to the restaurant. She does so – perfectly! We get there, find an easy spot in the parking lot and get to the restaurant, where they’re eagerly awaiting us.
Nizza’s daughter Meirav is already there – more kisses and happy chatting. We take a table by the window – nice views of the restaurant and the street below. Let the feast begin!
There are some words of Arabic between Aml and Osama – our sweet young waiter. He starts to bring out goodies from the kitchen. Salad after salad of delicious fresh vegetables, nuts, goat cheeses – all yummy. Suddenly there’s a commotion. What is it? 
A woman is making a fuss – in Hebrew. I don’t pay attention but the others do and they tell me that we’re in her seats. What seats? The place was empty when we arrived. Apparently she reserved the “table by the window” for her American guests, but she didn’t specify which window. Obviously, we were at the window she wanted. She didn’t stop complaining, and Nizza, the gentle soul among us (who’s well aware of customer issues) suggests that we move. Why not? We don’t care. We’re just happy to be in each other’s company and to be fed. We get up, glasses in hand, and move ourselves to another table, Osama takes care of bringing us the food. Big mouthed lady doesn’t even say thank you! 
After we fork our way through the salads, its main course time – batter fried shrimp with a spicy chili sauce, rolled chicken stuffed with goat cheese & herbs, goose breast in a wild berry reduction sauce, and grilled eggplant with home made tehina on top. It doesn’t get much more delicious. We’re all deliriously happy as each entree exits the kitchen and arrives at our table.
Best of all, though, is the feeling amongst the group of us. We chat away about everything: the international women’s club that Ola and I belong to and the plans for our committee in the new year (we’re calling it “World on Your Table” so you can imagine what the main course of that committee will be!); my new book which is about to come out of the closet (or computer, as the case may be), our lives, our loves, etc. etc. Put women who like each other together and what great times come out of it!
When it was time for dessert, we were all full to the gills, but of course we didn’t say no. Out came dates in caramel sauce with vanilla ice cream and halvah, chocolate souffle cake with vanilla ice cream and an excellent creme brulee. And Mary the owner arrived! That was a delight – meeting the woman who started the restaurant. After several years in the Cultural Ministry, and trips overseas, and a post-graduate university degree, she turned her hand to food. She found this gem of a place, with arched ceilings, stone walls, and charming courtyard and just knew she could turn it into a meeting place offering great food, delicious drinks and an enchanting ambiance. That’s just what she did!
The chef came out to greet us – how handsome! How talented! 
Towards the end of our feast, the big-mouthed lady came over and remembered to thank us for giving up our table. I said I was going to send her our bill, she didn’t smile. She grilled us about what we each do, handed out her business cards, and went merrily on her way. Gave us some good fodder for gossip!
And so, that’s my Nazareth with the ladies story. Can’t wait to go back there!
Sudfeh’s number is: 04 656-6611
And Mary’s gallery can be found at: www.maryfarah.com, Her number is: 054 571-8217
Sometimes you do something nice for someone, and you get just as much benefit out of it.
Yesterday was a good friend’s birthday – an important one – her 50th. In preparation, she asked me what I knew about the spa up here in Caesarea. She was thinking of coming up with her boyfriend, having a massage or some special treatment and then going to dinner. What did I think?
The truth is, I know nothing about the spa here. But as for dinner, of course Tzalbanim – “The Crusaders” at the Caesarea harbor. There’s no better restaurant for delicious unpretentious food, competent service and spectacular views. As for massage, I had a brainstorm!
I would call Michal – a great masseuse who makes house calls – and ask her if she was free. If so, GF (good friend) could come up to my house, take a guest room upstairs, have a massage, a swim in the pool, a shower, a champagne toast, a nosh, and then we all go out to dinner. She loved the idea. So did I. And Michael was free!
So… GF arrived around 4pm – a bit frazzled because of the traffic. (“Did you know that all of the coastal road was stuck – because of an accident on the other side!”). I had Cava, a bowl of cut fruit, my famous chocolate chip mandlebread, robes, hotel slippers, and fresh gardenias on the towels all waiting for her in the room. Man, I wanted to stay upstairs!
We started off by having some chilled fruity Chardonnay and pom dip with rice crackers and carrots (no pita chips for us – we’re dieting! As if.) I gave GF her present – a book I discovered that seemed really nice. The name of the book is “Devotions” and it has a gorgeous, intricately patterned cover, and inside are beautiful photos “from the cradle of civilization” and quotes for living each day. Its a lovely book and I thought it would be appropriate for someone embarking on her 5th decade. Lo & behold, GF looks at the names of the authors and says, with a slightly shocked voice, “I think I know the authors.”
I’m thinking, yeah sure, you’ve had too much Chard. Of course you don’t know the authors, how could you? She tells me that the wife is a physician, and the husband a famous Swiss photographer. She gives me some details about them and looks at the back cover blurb to see if it matches. It does! This couple is actually people she once knew really well! The oddity of it astounds us both: I found the book in a store in Zichron Yakov, the manager of the store actually helped me pick it out. It looked lovely but truthfully I didn’t spend much time examining it. I liked the cover and the photographs, and although I could do without the daily quotes – my friend is much more new-agey that me – she would like it, I guessed.
So what do you think about her knowing the authors? GF tell me that when good things happen, when good vibes are in the air, wonderful surprises take place!
Okay, back to the celebration. Michal arrived. Let the party begin!
Boyfriend had the first massage, while GF and I cozingly chatted away in my office. Then it was GF’s turn. Boyfriend came downstairs looking all refreshed, and ready to dip in the pool. When GF came down, she was flushed, and happy and apparently aware of knots in her neck that she didn’t know she had! We had more Chardonnay and dip, waited for my husband to be ready and then off we went to the harbor.
Surprise of surprise – all of the harbor was awash in lights and activities. It was movie night! Booths selling clothes, and tchotckes, and cotton candy and hero sandwiches and hot dogs dotted the entire harbor area. A huge screen was set up on the expansive lawn and people were EVERYWHERE!
We settled into the restaurant and got our wonderful seats – outside, overlooking the beach and water (as in Mediterranean Sea) – and began our feast at Tzalbanim. Out came the salads: tehina, eggplants (all types), tabouleh, spicy tomatoes, cured salmon, ikra, etc. I took the initiative to order for us – because I know what’s the most scrumptious there. Seafood platter and snapper filet baked under a layer of chopped veggies. Oh my god – was that good!
We followed our wonderful dinner with a bit of dessert – only because I wanted GF to be presented with birthday “zikookim” (sparklers). Out came the creme brulee served in an narrow oval dish (it kind of looked like a modern bathtub), and the square individual apple cake served alongside perfect vanilla ice cream. Are you getting how happy we all were?
Add to all this, gentle waves coming up against the shore line, people of all ages happily walking around and enjoying themselves, a huge movie screen in the far off background showing an Israeli classic, and a night sky with a nearly full moon.
It was perfect! I’m so glad GF let me share her birthday with her. It was a most special day for me, my husband and hopefully for GF and boyfriend too! Now I’m thinking – who needs a 50th to have a night like that?
Here’s to great get-togethers with great friends and unpretentious yummy food, and lovely settings and good restaurants and Caesarea – a little piece of heaven on earth!
