{"id":86980,"date":"2022-11-08T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-08T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/?p=86980"},"modified":"2022-12-30T10:08:20","modified_gmt":"2022-12-30T18:08:20","slug":"the-fantastic-flavors-of-israel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/the-fantastic-flavors-of-israel\/","title":{"rendered":"The Fantastic Flavors of Israel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><em>Sophie Lippert, concert pianist and All Classical Portland\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/international-arts-corresponden-sophie-lippert\/\">2022 International Arts Correspondent<\/a>, is currently living in Tel Aviv, Israel. In this edition of Musician Abroad!, she takes us on a journey through Tel Aviv\u2019s culinary landscape, showcasing savory and sweet delicacies and delights.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sophie-eating.jpg\" alt=\"a woman sitting in front of food\" class=\"wp-image-87048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sophie-eating.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sophie-eating-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sophie-eating-425x319.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Sophie enthusiastically shows off an Israeli spread of appetizers at a cozy seaside joint in Herzliya, Israel.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Food has always been one of my favorite ways to connect with a culture. It\u2019s an amazing miracle for me to take a \u201csensory trip\u201d to experience the essence of a place by sipping a cup of steaming soup, eating a bowl of aromatic noodles, or devouring a delicious dessert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I find music and food to be strikingly similar in the way they allow us to travel (with our senses) to different places, and connect with the flavors or sounds of a foreign country and culture without getting on a plane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transcending, Connecting, and Traveling through Taste and Sound<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I notice food\u2019s resemblance to music in several noteworthy ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They both serve as conduits of connection, and transcend language boundaries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They both are vehicles for bringing people together in community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They both give us a chance to experience a culture outside of its particular geographical location; a vantage point into the sensory experience of a place, without physically being in country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are part of music and food\u2019s \u201cspecial sauce,\u201d and part of what makes them so priceless and precious.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-pile-of-meat.jpg\" alt=\"a pile of meat\" class=\"wp-image-87045\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-pile-of-meat.jpg 450w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-pile-of-meat-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-pile-of-meat-263x350.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A bodacious spread of home-grilled meats at a Saturday Sabbath meal in Be\u2019er Sheva, Israel.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There were many times during the pandemic when I longed to expand my cultural horizons, but was stuck at home in Portland. The thing that helped me most was to either listen to\u2014or play!\u2014music from a different country, or cook a meal that utilized and showcased foreign flavors and ingredients. Listening to infectious rhythms from Senegal, Africa, or cooking an Indian recipe that utilizes freshly-ground cardamom pods and coriander seeds, might not be quite the same as traveling to Senegal or India\u2014but it creates a great sensory experience, and allows me to travel\u2014in my senses, at least\u2014somewhere outside of my own home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(One of my favorite things to do is to pair the music I\u2019m listening to with the type of cuisine I\u2019m eating! So, if I\u2019m cooking a Chinese-inspired dish, I\u2019ll find some traditional Chinese music to listen to. What a great way to expand my horizons.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the strong parallels in my life between food and music, it feels only appropriate to spend some time profiling Israel\u2019s amazing cuisine \/ culinary landscape!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Melting Pot of Flavors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Mediterranean Sea runs the western length of Israel\u2019s border, and because of this, it\u2019s no surprise that the primary flavors here pull from Mediterranean cuisine. Street stalls are filled with pungent olive oils and rich dates and nuts; dairy stands sport dozens of varieties of feta cheese; cucumbers and tomatoes are paired with parsley to form the nation\u2019s famous \u201cIsraeli salad.\u201d Alongside this, however, there\u2019s a decidedly Middle Eastern flare that also plays into the richness of Israel\u2019s culinary landscape. Spices like cumin and coriander are used liberally in many applications; the quintessential \u201cZa\u2019atar\u201d (a mix of sesame seeds, sumac, salt, and herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram) tops bowls of creamy hummus and soft breads and savory pastries; kebab meat makes an appearance at nearly every Israeli restaurant. And then, with the prevalence of Judaism comes an abundance of kosher and other religiously-influenced food products: beef-based sausages and deli meats abound (it\u2019s rare to find pork on a menu!), special sweets make appearances for the Jewish holidays, and challah is baked fresh at all the bakeries in time for Friday\u2019s sabbath dinner. Much like many aspects of Israeli culture, I find the food here to be an amazing melting pot of different traditions; heavily influenced by the many different cultures and people who have lived in this region over the centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-man-eating.jpg\" alt=\"a man eating\" class=\"wp-image-87042\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-man-eating.jpg 450w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-man-eating-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-man-eating-263x350.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Sophie\u2019s husband Noah in his happy place: with a falafel sandwich at Tel Aviv\u2019s famous HaKosem eatery.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p>There are three main areas I\u2019m excited to showcase: the pita (what I might call Israel\u2019s signature dish); the love of salads (and the first thing we need to do is define that term, as it\u2019s different than what you might expect!); and a run-down of the country\u2019s favorite sweets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meals in a Pita<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Israelis love their pitas. And, for good reason! Color me biased, but I\u2019d like to boldly state that until you\u2019ve tasted a pita from the Middle East, you\u2019ve never gotten a full experience of the incredible art form that is this beloved pocket bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yep: I\u2019m just talking about the pita itself\u2014even before it\u2019s filled with all sorts of tasty treats! The Israeli pita tells a complex and intoxicating story. It features a fluffiness, lightness, and buoyancy; the flavor is mild, the texture is rich, and the combination creates a taste that\u2019s irresistible in nearly every iteration. And how something so intoxicatingly airy manages to be hefty enough to be stuffed to the gills with vegetables and meats is beyond me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another delight: for anyone who doesn\u2019t eat gluten, many restaurants carry gluten-free pitas that are just as delicious as their glutinous counterparts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pita is rarely just eaten on its own, though. Its simplest application is perhaps dipped in bowls of&nbsp;<strong>hummus,&nbsp;<\/strong>and served alongside slices of raw white onion, tomato, and pickles. (Hummus restaurants can be found on nearly every street corner in Israel, and deserve a whole post in themselves!)<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-hummus.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-hummus.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-hummus-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-hummus-425x319.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hummus garnished with ground meat serves as the crown of this seaside meal in Acre, Israel\u2014served, of course, with irresistible pita!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The pita is also the centerpiece of nearly every street food here. The most common three are the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shawarma. This tasty shaved meat is cooked on a giant rotisserie or spit. It\u2019s a pretty dramatic endeavor: the meat is shaved thin and then shaped into a huge cone, then shaved off in a circular fashion. It\u2019s almost always served in a pita with a variety of accouterements: tahini-garlic sauce, pickles, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and some other variety of pickled vegetables and cabbage slaws. There\u2019s another sauce, which is mango-based and a bit spicy and sweet, which is also common as a final topping. And french fries on the side are optional, but very much suggested.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Falafel. I\u2019ve had plenty of falafel in my life, but much like my experience with pita, until coming to Israel I never realized the extent of complexity and deliciousness that could be contained within these little fried balls made primarily of ground garbanzo beans. Generally smelling and tasting faintly of parsley, garlic, scallions, and cumin, these fritters are most commonly deep fried, then stuffed into a pita with a similar assortment of accompaniments to the shawarma: raw and pickled vegetables, and then sauces on top: tahini, and an amazingly herbaceous spicy green sauce (a little packs a real punch!). Our favorite local falafel joint layers the ingredients so beautifully that the finished product truly DOES look like a piece of art\u2014and tastes like one, too. Unbelievable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sabich. Perhaps less known globally, this trendy street food is wildly popular in Israel. Apparently it originated in the 1940s and 1950s as a simple breakfast, using the easiest ingredients on hand: leftover eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, and maybe potatoes for kicks. Now, it\u2019s become a competitive phenomenon: the debate rages around Tel Aviv as to which sabich shop executes their sabich with the most craft and finesse. The centerpiece of a sabich is the crispy fried slabs of eggplant\u2014which, in the hands of a skilled cook, are even incredible eaten alone: oily and crispy exterior, soft and almost sweet interior. In a sabich sandwich, however, they\u2019re paired with eggs, that Israeli holy trinity (tomatoes, cucumber, onion), parsley, and\u2014you guessed it\u2014tahini to top everything off. Though sabich is tasty at any time of day, it\u2019s still most common as a breakfast or lunch dish; in fact, like falafel, most joints close by 4 or 5pm.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-shawarma.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-shawarma.jpg 450w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-shawarma-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-shawarma-263x350.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A shawarma vendor shaving off meat on a busy street corner in Tel Aviv, Israel.<\/em><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-falafel.jpg\" alt=\"falafel\" class=\"wp-image-87013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-falafel.jpg 450w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-falafel-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-falafel-263x350.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An indulgent falafel sandwich stuffed to the gills, with pickles hiding beneath layers of tahini sauce. And yep, both the pita and falafel are gluten free!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sabich.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sabich.jpg 450w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sabich-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sabich-263x350.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A beautifully-adorned Sabich sandwich, with strips of fried eggplant galore.<\/em><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that we\u2019ve explored pita in its many iterations, let\u2019s take a left turn to another quintessential feature of the Israeli dining scene: salads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All The Salads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-salads.jpg\" alt=\"salads\" class=\"wp-image-87025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-salads.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-salads-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-salads-425x319.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. So many veggies!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, it\u2019s important to define what \u201csalad\u201d means in this context. Upon first arriving in Israel, I was surprised to find that salads seemed like an \u201call-inclusive\u201d experience here\u2014 A spread of Israeli salads consists, essentially, of anything cold that can be served in a small dish as an appetizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When dining at a traditional Israeli restaurant, get ready: you\u2019re in for all sorts of treats beyond those that you order. It\u2019s still typical to order an entree per person (in Tel Aviv, that\u2019s almost always a cut of meat or fish); however, before you receive your chosen dish, you\u2019ll be bombarded with a smorgasbord of incredible small dishes\u2014which fill the center of table with festive colors and textures. Sometimes, there are up to TWO DOZEN different options to nibble on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the offerings often found in an Israeli \u201csalad\u201d spread are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hummus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baba ganoush<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thinly-sliced ribbons of cabbage with dill in a mild vinegar dressing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greens with chunky tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, sumac, and lemon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fried eggplant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roasted cauliflower<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shredded carrots with candied walnuts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chunky roasted beets with parsley<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parsley-heavy tabbouleh salad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cucumbers with onion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lightly-steamed corn kernels with red peppers and spices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tuna salad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pasta salad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pickled jalapenos or pepperoncini peppers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saucy tomatoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shaved fennel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2026and the list goes on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-parents.jpg\" alt=\"Older people sitting by salads\" class=\"wp-image-87028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-parents.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-parents-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-parents-425x319.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p><em>Sophie\u2019s mother and father-in-law are all smiles before diving in to their salad course in a sunny, beachside Jaffa restaurant.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Pita is always served as an accompaniment, and sometimes, there\u2019s another baked bread covered with melted cheese, or olive oil and za\u2019atar, or chunky roasted garlic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s something for everyone\u2014and, if you\u2019re like me, nearly everything is finger-licking good!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, I wish that salads came with a warning, as I\u2019ve had to learn the hard way to pace myself. The small plates are generally refilled numerous times during the meal, so it\u2019s easy to get completely full on the vegetables even before a main course has arrived!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, my husband Noah and I have occasionally opted to order ONLY the salads for our main meal. Usually a restaurant charges a fee of about 35-40 shekels per person\u2014about $12\u2014but it\u2019s unquestionably the best deal in town!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-salad-variety.jpg\" alt=\"A variety of salads\" class=\"wp-image-87031\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-salad-variety.jpg 450w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-salad-variety-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-salad-variety-263x350.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Salads on their own can serve as a perfectly satisfying and delicious meal in Tel Aviv. Despite the absence of a \u201cmain course,\u201d Sophie and her husband Noah were stuffed after this filling feast!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Another difference: salads are served and eaten at any time of day. Yep: even breakfast! In fact, a traditional Israeli breakfast spread consists of bread or pastries, and perhaps a side of eggs\u2014and then, an array of all those amazing aforementioned vegetable dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, enough of savory\u2014let\u2019s turn now to the treats!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make Way for Sweets!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sweets: different sub-categories, but \u201clocal desserts\u201d (not European-style cafes or bakeries) are commonly nut and honey-based, and often a sweet crunchy semolina noodle is used. Also: LOVE OF ICE CREAM.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fruit: tropics! In-season is key; the fruit at the market changes dramatically depending on time of year &amp; what\u2019s available. Watermelon, grapes, plums, mangos, FIGS. Always: citrus of all types, avocados (though different varieties pop up at different times!), bananas (huge banana groves in Eastern Israel!),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drinks: soda is much more common here than in the United States! Also, the types of varieties of sugary drinks at any given convenience store is pretty damn impressive. (Twix in a bottle? Guava puree? Sparkling fruity mixers? You name \u2018em, they\u2019ve got \u2018em.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>SWEETS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Honey-based.<br>Candy.<br>International.<br>Ice cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"87050\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-variety-of-sweets.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-variety-of-sweets.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-variety-of-sweets-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-variety-of-sweets-425x319.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"87053\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-gallery_candy.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87053\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-gallery_candy.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-gallery_candy-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-gallery_candy-425x319.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"87051\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-homemade-sweets.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87051\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-homemade-sweets.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-homemade-sweets-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-homemade-sweets-425x319.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"87052\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-ice-cream.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87052\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-ice-cream.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-ice-cream-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-ice-cream-425x319.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Even More Diversity of Deliciousness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before I wrap today, I want to be clear: this is a non-comprehensive foray into Israeli food. There are so many different culinary experiences that can be had in Tel Aviv\u2014it is a huge international city, and offers an impressive array of different flavors and types of food! I neglected to include a few particular enticing local treats: Jachnun, burekas (basically, dough stuffed with any array of savory things), and the food and drinks that accompany the Israeli love of what I\u2019d call \u201ccafe culture\u201d (long hours spent leisurely sitting, sipping, and supping). There are also some very interesting \u201cfusion\u201d-dining experiences here\u2014you wouldn\u2019t believe what they manage to fit in sushi rolls! (Yep, that includes shawarma meat!) There\u2019s so much diversity and deliciousness to experience here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sushi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sushi.jpg 600w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sushi-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-sushi-425x319.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>&nbsp;Sushi done right at the popular Moon Sushi in Tel Aviv, Israel.<\/em><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An exploration of Tel Aviv wouldn\u2019t be complete without mention of the beautiful spices, too\u2014an enticing array of flavors and aromas that waft from spice shops across any of the local street markets. And though other ethnic foods can be hard to find, there are a few great restaurants that showcase foods from different parts of the world: Mexican tacos, Thai curries, Chinese dim sum, Indian thalis. There\u2019s even excellent Ethiopian food, served on spongy injera and eaten with no utensils!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-ethiopian-food.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-ethiopian-food.jpg 450w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-ethiopian-food-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-ethiopian-food-263x350.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An excellent Ethiopian feast at NAME, a hidden gem of a restaurant in east Tel Aviv.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>[And Yahweh knows I could wax poetic on hummus alone\u2014the shining centerpiece of Middle Eastern food\u2014for many more hundreds of words.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there\u2019s one thing I\u2019ve learned and confirmed about Israeli food while being here, it\u2019s that there\u2019s a tremendous pride and art and joy that it contains and instills. People here are voracious, joyful eaters; food serves as a conduit for community and connection, and a centerpiece for celebration and ceremony. I\u2019ll miss these dazzling tastes when I return to the United States\u2014but hopefully, will find opportunity to travel back to Israel through my senses over salads for breakfast, pitas stuffed with fried eggplant or falafel for lunch, bowls of silky hummus for snacks, and pistachio-studded baklava for desserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And I\u2019ll never stop being grateful for the way that music and food both serve as conduits of connection and togetherness! Listening to music, and having a meal filled with delicious food, are equal-opportunity experiences; both allow people of all different backgrounds, cultures, languages, physical and mental capabilities, and socioeconomic statuses to connect and share experiences. And what a gift to share sounds and flavors with people around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wishing you all experiences with meals and music that transport you outside of your normal sensory stomping grounds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Stay tuned for the final blog in Sophie\u2019s Musician Abroad! series coming this winter! You can also learn more about Sophie at&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sophielippert.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">sophielippert.com<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>header h1{display:none}.entry-content .wp-post-image{display:none}<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sophie Lippert, concert pianist and All Classical Portland\u2019s 2022 International Arts Correspondent, is currently living in Tel Aviv, Israel. In this edition of Musician Abroad!, she takes us on a journey through Tel Aviv\u2019s culinary landscape, showcasing savory and sweet delicacies and delights. Food has always been one of my favorite ways to connect with &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":150,"featured_media":87048,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4084],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-86980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-classical-radio"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-21 04:35:58","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86980","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/150"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=86980"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/86980\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/87048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=86980"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=86980"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=86980"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}