Sunday, March 25, 2012

Naomi's Kosher Pizza & Israel Falafel Review

Best falafel in the country. I've been to Israel a handful on times and this seriously competes with theirs. I'm definitely biased since my mom has worked here since before I was even born, but I love everything about this place.

I know it must seem like I'm embarking on quite the Kosher food spree, but my new neighborhood's between Forest Hills and Kew Gardens, two thriving Jewish communities, and my mom and sister do in fact keep Kosher, so with the abundant Kosher eateries now within a mile of my my new digs we've been eating out a lot together.

Which is really beside the point, because actually we've been coming to Naomi's since I was kid, because my mom used to come to Naomi's back when she was a teenager (before she was Kosher, as chance would have it)  and was just ga-ga for their falafel. And with good reason -- ignore the naysers; this falafel is fucking awesome. Get it piping hot and eat it right there for optimal falafel enjoyment.  I also LOVE their cheese bourekas, and often take two or three home to keep in the fridge. Ditto the mango/peach Israeli nectars they keep with the sodas behind the counter.

6828 Main St
Flushing, NY 11367
Neighborhoods: Kew Gardens Hills, Flushing
(718) 520-8754

Birthright Israel Review

Taglit-Birthright Israel offers the gift of a free, 10-day educational trip to Israel for Jewish adults between the ages of 18 to 26.

Since its inception in 2000, Taglit-Birthright Israel has sent nearly 300,000 Jewish young adults to Israel. They come from 54 countries, all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and from nearly 1,000 North American colleges and universities.

The trip aims to strengthen participants’ Jewish identity; to build an understanding, friendship and lasting bond with the land and people of Israel; and to reinforce the solidarity of the Jewish people worldwide.

Taglit-Birthright Israel is a partnership between the Government of Israel, Jewish communities around the world (through the Jewish Federations of North America, the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Hayesod) and some 25,000 individual supporters in North America and around the world.

New York, NY 10175
(888) 994-7723

Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Review

Whenever I have foreign visitors I always try to make my first stop here. Its a solemn museum but full of meaning. Its the story of the horrors of the WW2 holocaust narrated in an educational manner. Everyone takes home their own impression and everyone says that this difficult subject is a "focal point" of their visit to Israel. Allow around 2 hours minimum. Entrance is free but I suggest hiring the informative headsets which carry a nominal charge. Closed Saturdays and Jewish Holidays.

Yad Vashem offers an excellent insight into the Jewish history and culture and how it suffered during the first and the second World War. The content is deep and very sad, but the museum and its surroundings are very well done and leaves the visitor with a memory that will last long. This museum should be obligatory for anyone visiting Israel, or actually anyone at all with interest in history and culture of the last centuries. It is a truly remarkable museum and collection of buildings and memorials in beautiful landscape.

Near Herzl Blvd., Jerusalem, Israel
972 2 6443400

Israel Museum Review

We ate at the Israel museum's meat restaurant. The menu does not show a great deal of depth,but what they do serve is quite tasty, if not terribly imaginative. Service is slow. We ordered tomatoes baladi (ie,Lebanese style), and all we got were marinated tomato slices with some scallions thrown on top of the tomatoes. Not like any baladi we have ever had! On top of that, it was quite pricey and not a good value.

We went there to see the Dead Sea scrolls and the archeological exibition. But had to discover that only the copy is presented to the public and we didn't learn much additional information. The model of the Second Temple is very nice, but you can see a smaller version at the airport. The archeological exibition is nice, but taking pictures is not allowed. The most interesting is the reconstructed temple and synagoge on the base floor. The museum itself is really focused on arts with tremandeus exibition halls. So if you are interested in it then you will have a really good time. But as only a full price ticket is available for the whole museum we found the rate really expensive.

Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
972 2 6708811

Israel Rose Review

We love these guys! While shopping for our wedding rings, we came across the Israel Rose website, which is hands down the best online inventory we have seen from any jeweler. My engagement ring is antique, purchased from Craig Evans Small in Los Angeles, and I was hoping to find another great vintage/antiques jeweler in New York, where I live.

We ended up going with a Cartier platinum Love ring for my husband, and I'm happy to report that we saved about a $1000 by not going directly to Cartier. They polished it until it looked sparkling new, and we felt so lucky that they had the right size. They also offered to clean my ring and replace a side stone that fell out--free of charge! Due to their extensive knowledge of antique jewelry, I had no qualms about leaving my ring, which I'm usually very protective about.

On top of the great selection and service, they made us laugh and feel comfortable every visit we made. I've already recommended them to friends, and I'll definitely be back, hopefully for a nice anniversary gift.

10 W 47th St
Booth 58
(between Avenue Of The Americas & 5th Ave)
Manhattan, NY 10036
Neighborhood: Midtown West
(212) 944-2370

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

America Israel Travel Review

AIT - America Israel Travel, is a top ranked, full-service, wholesale tour operator, whose agents have over 40 years experience behind them. Known for our high quality tour programs, dependability, friendly service and local expertise, let us be your professional guide to the most famous and spectacular sites of the biblical world and the Mediterranean. AIT makes travel easy and whether you’re a seasoned traveler or going for the first time, we will show you the sites as you’ve never seen them before.Our extensive travel menu includes over 70 tour combinations and educational tour programs for small or large groups, in addition to escorted, family and customized tours. Whichever tour you choose, we handle everything from start to finish and your only job is to explore, experience and enjoy.

5000 N. Parkway Calabasas
(818) 704 -9888

Israel Apartments Review

Welcome to Apartments Israel! We offer you a great varierty of furnished apartments for temporary rental, long term rentals and properties for sale. Our vacation apartments are fully equipped with bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, air conditioning, cable TV, high speed internet (some) and everything else a traveller, student or businessman might need. With Apartments Israel you can rent an apartment for a long or a short period of time. Most of our apartments are in the best locations, such us Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Herzlyia, Herzlyia Pituach, Eilat, Haifa and more... We invite you to find with us your Israel Apartment! Apartments Israel, the best place in Israel to find the perfect apartment!

(+972) (0)2 650 8008