SUMMER NIGHTS AND COOL FOODS

SUMMER NIGHTS AND THE COOL FOODS AND TREATS

We had one of those breathless evenings at the Port in Jaffa. Tel Aviv is celebrating the 100th Birthday and the city that never sleeps, is having one celebration after another. The Port at Jaffa, the Port at the entrance to Tel Aviv, the streets of Jaffa, the city all in all ,is one large celebration. Museums, galleries and public areas glow with events.

We chose the BLUE WHITE CULTURAL JAFFA NIGHT. There were families that live in the area, tourist, and visitors from all over Israel and of course the artists who never let you down. Different, individual and all looking for the spot light The guest performers were a medley of violinists, guitarists, sound performers and the singer of the evening Marina Maximilian Blumin. This fabulous performer was the runner up in the "American Idol" "KOCHAV NOLAD" show in Israel. She performed the Arabesque Groove, with style, enthusiasm and her great personality just wowed the audience. . Marina has come a long way
We loved her show.
We dragged ourselves away and visited the whole area, explored the stalls and craft sellers, ecological food stalls and the NALAGA'AT CENTRE. This is a unique performance centre. The people in the restaurant are either deaf or hearing impaired. Gestures and movement vibrate all over the place. The area you eat in is dark, the waitresses are either blind or visually impaired…………….I can go on for ages , but truly everyone should visit this place. Once is nor even enough.
More than 70,000 people have been there in the first year. Put this on your list
………call for a booking at 03 6330808 . www.nalagaat.org.il

Well by now lemonade. ices and wholesome pitot with za'atar and sesame seeds were not enough. We had an authentic Middle Eastern meal at Hezi Katil. The place was filled with moving eaters and fragrances of great foods. We had hummus, eggplants, tabouleh, great pitot, a rice medley with lots of turmeric, pickles, olives and the kind of food that makes you want more. The most amazing guests strolled in. There was a bride, resplendent with her hennaed hands of decorations up her arm and fingers. She sparkled with a heavily embroidered wedding gown, tiara, diamante earrings, a full crinoline dress and make up that was Dior at its best. The groom was simply dressed by comparison. The bridesmaid wore an ensemble of purple that made the sun look cool. She was bedecked in color and a happy smile. They sat down to cokes and a hummus meal as well.
Dessert ended the evening and we headed home. We had seen it all. Fellini, art décor surreal and people doing what they should do……having a good time. .

A quick cool treat.

WATERMELON, BULGARI CHEESE AND MINT LEAVES.

Cube the watermelon pieces and cut up half a cup of mint leaves and cover. Place in the fridge to chill. Serve with cubes of Bulgari cheese and tooth picks on each. You can serve this on a large plate with a few washed grapes. I love this with Recanatti dessert wine....
Yasmin White Wine is great with Italian dishes and creamy cheeses. Cabernet Sauvignon is great with smoked piquant cheeses. Shiraz, is delightful with pastas and savory dishes.
Call me if you would like to visit the Recanatti wine House.


QUICK FRUIT SALAD.

Take two cups of washed grapes, two cups of diced melon, two cups of diced water melon, two tablespoons of pine kernels, a peeled and cubed apple and mint leaves, two cups of apple cider. Place covered in a bowl for a few hours. Serve in a tall glass with a long spoon.

CHEESES, VEGETABLES, FRENCH LOAVES, WINE AND BISCOTTI AND NUTS .

Choose a large glass plate or tray. Wash grape leaves or lettuce leaves. On these display a selection of cheeses. Cut some, cube others, use cucumbers or melons as a base. Have a few slabs of cheeses or blocks that can be sliced as needed. Decorate with washed figs, grapes , carrot sticks, celery stalks, tomatoes and cucumbers. Use mint leaves as décor and sliced kohlrabi. I have French loaves, crackers and biscotti on the side


FOR EASY COLD SOUPS AND SUMMER SALADS , SEE THE NEXT ARTICLE.
HAVE FUN
LOVE AND LIGHT…………………………….RONA