Tel Aviv, Israel - January 14, 2011

Caffe Tazza D'Oro - good cappucinno and pastries

Shabazi Alley - off Shabazi Street - Neve Tzedek

Am Yisrael Chai - graffiti signs all over Neve Tzedek

Neve Tzedek

Shakshuka breakfast @ Benedict in Tel Aviv

Benedict Restaurant on Ben Yehuda St.- Tel Aviv

I have pretty much spent most of the morning catching up on my sleep from the long flight from LA. I decided to begin my morning with an Israeli breakfast. Several friends recommended Benedict, known for their amazing breakfasts and brunches. It's a good find since it's open 24/7. I decided to walk towards the sea and go to the branch on Ben Yehuda Street. I wasn't disappointed. Usually I would order an Israeli salad which comes with delicious breads and yogurt, but today I decided to try the shakshuka. My meal arrived on a hot skillet and was delicious. Shakshuka are eggs cooked in tomato sauce, onions and spices. It definitely woke me up!! I haven't been there, but there is a restaurant in Old Jaffa called "Dr. Shakshuka" which I'll have to try next time I'm in Tel Aviv.
After breakfast I took a cab down to Neve Tzedek, the oldest part of Tel Aviv. Shabazi Street is the main drag and it's always fun to check it out. Cute boutiques, wine bars, restaurants and unique gift shops line the narrow road. Tourists and locals come often to enjoy the ambiance and quiet of this enchanting neighborhood. Each time I return to the area, it becomes more upscale and gentrified. Old, shoddy buildings become newly renovated and there are cranes to be seen everywhere. A great place to stop for a cappuccino and pastry is Caffe Tazza D'Oro, tucked behind Shabazi Street on Ahad Ha'am St. The mood is casual and the coffee outstanding. After being fortified, I continued my walk toward the Promenade by the sea. Watching and listening to the sounds and sights of the sea is one of my pastimes, and again the Promenade didn't disappoint. There is something soothing and calming walking along the boardwalk in the middle of winter and enjoying the clean, crisp air along the sea.