Merlot, Great Dairy Restaurant Here in Shiloh

Photo by Yisrael Medad

Thank Gd, we don't have to go far if we want to eat out. There's a wonderful dairy restaurant here in Shiloh, Merlot. It's just across from the main supermarket and Kupat Cholim Leumit. There are also bus stops in front and around the corner. And there's a parking lot, too.

The food is absolutely delicious, and Merlot is willing to accommodate for groups and those who have allergies/sensitivities. The hechshar in Merlot is Mehadrin dairy. You can call them for more information 02-6284601. Even though their site is all in Hebrew, there are menus in English, and the waitstaff speaks English.

I ate in Merlot twice this week with friends, and when we were redoing our kitchen, we ate there a few times.

I highly recommend Merlot. It's nice to have a pleasant, reasonably priced restaurant a short walk from home.

Feast your eyes on the photos:

As you can see, presentation is also top class.

Treating Ourselves at Piccolino

Tuesday night was the start of Rosh Chodesh (the beginning of the Jewish Month of)  Iyar, and my friend and I had made a dinner date. Especially since Rosh Chodesh is traditionally known as the "Women's Holiday," we decided that we needed a treat. And when it comes to a treat, a very special meal, there's absolutely nothing like Piccolino.

Just to make sure we'd get a table, we called in advance, though maybe due to the late hour, there was room. They have seating indoors, including private rooms for groups and events, outside in the closed area, and there were also people sitting outside closer to the live music. We heard the music fine in the closed area, which no doubt will be opened up when summer starts, and evenings are warmer.

The waitress suggested we begin our meal with something new. We didn't catch the name of it, but we ate it all up. There were cheese and vegetables baked in a very delicate dough, served with a small salad. It's just the thing to nosh on when waiting for soup.

We chose two different soups, and we were both very happy with our choices. My friend ordered their very popular Minestrone Soup, while I took the "Soup of the Day" which was Zucchini. And it was amazing. Usually I'm a bit nervous about ordering soups, since some restaurants over-salt theirs. But this Zucchini soup was perfection. I could taste the very delicate flavor of the zucchini and finished every last drop.

We also ordered different main courses. My friend had the Risotto, which was so filling she couldn't finish it. But there's a good chance, that she was already pretty full from the soup and starter. It's a full meal on its own with all the vegetables, rice and cheese.

I also chose Italian. I had their Eggplant Parmesan, which although is listed as a First Course, is really a full meal, especially if you'd already eaten as much as I had. This, too, I finished to the last drop. The tomato sauce was fantastic, and I finished that, too.

And of course, being that we were in Piccolino to be spoiled and celebrate Rosh Chodesh Iyar, we had dessert. I think that the waitress called it a "Brownie."

It was all worth it, even though I'll have to work hard to knock off the weight gain.

Yes, of course I recommend Piccolino. That's why I return when I want a nice dairy meal in Jerusalem with delicious food, unbeatable ambiance and great service. You definitely get your money's worth. And their prices are comparable to the chains. You can get a very reasonably priced meal, with far superior food.

12 Yoel Moshe Solomon Street, in Music Square, Nachalat Shiva, Jerusalem
Reservations: Call 02-6244186
Nava@piccolino.co.il
Sunday to Thursday 10:00-24:00, The kitchen is open until 23:00
Friday and before Jewish holidays from 9:00-15:00, The kitchen is open until 14:00
Saturday from an hour after Shabbat ends until Midnight, The kitchen is open until 23:00

Trying Something New at Piccolino

I took this photo for 52Frames just
before walking in. 

This week my "chevruta," learning group for the Matan Al Haperek Tanach (Bible) course met for a festive lunch in Piccolino, the best dairy restaurant in Jerusalem. They gave us a table in a quiet place, since we planned on doing our weekly learning there after eating.

Instead of my usual salads, I decided to have the "Soup of the Day," which was lentil and their Eggplant Parmesan. They were both totally delicious!

My friends had the Health Salad, Seared Tuna Salad and the Antipasti, which were all praised. Piccolino is strictly kosher, Mehadrin. As you know, I have eaten there many times with family, friends and even when alone. Enjoy!

רחוב יואל משה סולומון 12 ירושלים
12 Yoel Moshe Solomon Street, Jerusalem
Nava@piccolino.co.il
02-6244186

"Italian Salad" at Jerusalem's Iconic "Cafe Rimon"

I asked that they "hold the croutons," which made the salad better as far as I'm concerned. 

This week a friend and I met at what may be the oldest, open since 1953, Jerusalem restaurant still going strong, Cafe Rimon.  Over the years, the Rimon has gone from dairy to meat and now has two, one of each, side by side, just off of Zion Square, Jerusalem.

It was recently (at least since my last visit a couple of years ago) redecorated and now has a handicapped WC (toilet) on the main floor. Rimon looks incredibly modern now. It's open every day except Shabbat, closing an hour before and opening an hour after. You can get a 10% discount from Eluna.

I was in the mood for a salad and also didn't want to pay too much. I took the "Italian Salad" from the long list of NS49 lunch specials and requested that it be without croutons. There was lots of pesto, which I love, and it was very filling. I didn't even touch the tempting rolls which accompanied it.

My friend and I sat in a quiet corner inside, outstaying the other lunch customers. We weren't nudged to leave by the staff. By the time we left, "lunch hour" was long over. For those who like the ambiance of outdoor cafe eating, there are lots of tables where you can watch the foot traffic in downtown Jerusalem.

It's obvious the the owners are trying hard to have "Cafe Rimon" live forever.

4 Luntz St, Jerusalem Tel: 1-599-50-10-30; 02-625-2772; 02-624-3746 Kashrut: Mehadrin Badatz Yerushalayim

Open Sunday - Thursday: 24 hours. Friday: until one hour before Shabbat. Motzai Shabbat: from one hour after Shabbat. Closed Shabbat.

Purim "Katan," Good Excuse to eat Those Rolls

Yesterday I met old friends at a reunion. Our college class (SCW 1971) has been getting together in Jerusalem every few months the past couple of years. We plan the lunch meetings around visits of classmates who still haven't made aliyah. And "dropouts" like myself are full members of the club. There are a few members of the class I've been in touch with and see periodically, but some I only get together with when we have these reunions.

Just before we met yesterday, somebody sent this out which was perfect for the date on the Jewish Calendar:

Well, today is Shushan Purim Katan.
Here 5 Halachot for today – question of whether you are supposed to eat more in walled cities like Jerusalem is debated. As I quote below, Ha’Rav Aryeh Shtern told me nowadays the minhag isn’t to eat extra at meals on Purim Katan:

1. No Tachanun. 
2. No ‘Lamnatzeach’ 
3. No Hesped or fasting. 
4. Or regular halachot of Aveilut. 
5. Having nicer meals – I guess lunch.
   This is a matter of debate as to whether those living in walled cities like Jerusalem, need to have a nicer meal on Shushan Purim Katan or both days. Firstly, we need to be clear, whether or not there is a mitzvah at all to eat a superior meal on Purim Katan itself is discussed- Ha’Rav Aryeh Shtern told me that nowadays the minhag isn’t to eat extra on Purim Katan. At the end of Piskei Teshuvot – he discusses Shushan Purim Katan. The Mishnah Brurah says that even those who live in walled cities, eat extra on the 14th of Adar NOT the 15th. He then quotes the Smak who says that in walled cities – like Jerusalem, you are supposed to have extra nice meals on BOTH Purim Katan-the 14th and Shushan Purim Katan-the 15th.

That's why I ordered the "bread" as my "Starter" at Tereza in Cinema City. According to Jewish Law, a festive meal must include bread. The night before, a friend and I had looked for a place to eat in Cinema City and didn't even bother checking it out, because the sign says "Pasta Bar" in very large English letters. We did not a meal based on noodles!  But menu is a lot more varied than the sign would make you think. There are lots of salads, and they are large and very good.

Lunch in Tereza includes a free soft drink and a "starter," a choice of "Mashed Potato Balls, Salad or Bread. Since I had decided to have the Tuna Salad, I really didn't need more salad. After eating my fill, all the tuna and most of the salad, I had it packed to take to work, where I just bought myself a bit of cheese to have for dinner.  We were all happy with the meals and the service, even considering that we were a large group. They didn't foul up, which has been an unpleasant experience in other venues.

Next (or a future) time I'm in Cinema City, I will return, since the meal and service were good.

Tereza Cinema City, 10 Yitzchak Rabin, JerusalemTel: 02-6456005 Kashrut: Rabbanut Mehadrin

Open Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 am. till midnight. Friday: 10:00 am. - one hour before Shabbat. Open Motzei Shabbat: 8:30 pm. Closed Shabbat.

A Festive Dinner at Piccolino

Yes, I admit that it's no secret that I'm a fan of Piccolino, that lovely and yummy kosher dairy restaurant in downtown Jerusalem, Nachalat Shiva, Music Square, not far from Zion Square. Last week before going to a Ben Zakkai-NCSY Dessert Reception a friend and I had dinner out together. She suggested Piccolino after reading the review I'd written, and she wasn't disappointed.

First of all, we were seated in their closed in, cosy section of Music Square and enjoyed the live music. We decided to have as healthy and dietetic meal as possible, especially because we were going to a dessert reception afterwards, and it's not all that far from Piccolino to the Israel Center. We chose to begin dinner with Soup of the Day, which was a very delicately flavored Orange Soup. It was excellent, just perfect for a winter evening.

Piccolino also insisted we try their latest salad, which was totally amazing. I didn't try the toast that came with it, but I did eat lots of the irresistible warm Camembert Cheese and the green salad with strawberries. And I must admit that I did have some bread, their multi-grain house bread, which comes with most meals. It was a delicious treat.

For our main course we shared their Tuna Salad, which is seared red tuna on a generous green salad, which includes perfectly made green beans.

We both agreed that it was the perfect meal and a lovely way to spend time together.

I understand that they make amazing breakfasts and brunches and lunches, too. I must try them.

Yoel Moshe Solomon Street No.12 Jerusalem, for reservations, events or questions: Nava@piccolino.co.il or 02:6244186.

Revisiting Piccolino

Yes, I was back in Piccolino, one of my favorite Jerusalem restaurants. 

Since we were a group of six plus a baby, we were put in one of the lovely rooms. It was very pleasant. Every time I've eaten in Piccolino, I've sat someplace else, and I've enjoyed them all.

We sampled some of their new dishes, including their home-cured lox, which was tasty and not too salty. There was a nice sized pizza, enough for two. 

And two in the party ordered Shakshukas which were like no other I've ever seen or heard of. Generally, a shakshuka is eggs cooked in a rich tomato sauce, but these were cooked in herbed cheese. They were unbelievably delicious.

I had the Fish of the Day. Honestly, I don't remember exactly what it was, but I finished every drop! I even ate the skin which was so crisp and irresistible.

We were all stuffed, but they said that we must try the desserts, since it was a celebration. And they were right. The chocolate somehow reminded me of those Snickers candy bars of my youth. I hadn't had one for at least fifty years, but somehow my tastebuds recognized something similar. The coconut puff was also yummy, and I couldn't resist having some of the whipped cream too. Luckily I wasn't alone. We shared.

I 100% recommend Piccolino! And I'll be back there, again, for sure.

12 Yoel Moshe Solomon Street, Jerusalem
Nava@piccolino.co.il
Reservations are recommended: Call 02-6244186

Piccolino, Dining Pleasure in Jerusalem

Tel 02-6244186 • Fax 02-6223218 

For those who have been wondering what happened to the lovely restaurant in the Anna Ticho Museum during the renovations there, I have news for you. The owners have opened something new in downtown Jerusalem called Piccolino on 12 Yoel Solomon Street, in Nachalat Shiva, Jerusalem, as part of the new "Kikar Hamusica," Music Square.

I visited it last week and had an absolutely wonderful meal. Because of my dining partner's connections to the owner, although we only ordered two main courses, we were given "extras" to sample. Everything was totally delicious.

First of all, if you want to be guaranteed a table, I suggest making reservations. When we called, early the same day, the only place available was the bar, which was actually fine for the two of us, and that was for 7pm reservations.

Piccolino has a number of beautifully decorated rooms, which can be used either by the table or reserved for groups. There's also the option of dining outside in Kikar Hamusica.

Kashrut is Mehadrin, for those who need to know. My dining partner ordered Eggplant Calzone, and I ordered the Citrus Salmon. While we were waiting, they brought us Fococcia with Spreads and  their Antipasti:

"Pickled sardines with lemon fillets and red onion, artichoke alla romano, beetroot and blue cheese carpaccio, grilled eggplant with goat's yoghurt, health salad, tomato, red onion and chilli pepper salad, home pickled olives, spread of pesto"

We were also given the most amazing Melanzane alla parmigiana:

Everything was perfect. As we were eating, I couldn't help but staring at the tempting desserts nearby, but since I'm trying to keep my weight down and bank account in the black, I didn't plan on ordering any. Though, as a restaurant reviewer, when we were offered dessert, I certainly couldn't say no.

They brought us two amazing chocolate delights to sample, and it would have been a sin to leave any over.

Don't you agree?

I definitely recommend Piccolino if you want an excellent dairy meal in Jerusalem.

A Different "Alice's Restaurant"

Last week a friend and I were looking for a place to have lunch in downtown Jerusalem, and we really didn't want to spend a lot.  By chance we stumbled upon "Alice" on Rechov Shamai.  There was a sign outside offering a "business lunch" for ns39, which is ns10 less than most places in the center of Jerusalem.  And their lunch actually included more, a choice of small salad or soup, a main course pasta dish and a hot drink.

Even though I've been avoiding pasta for years, I decided to save the money and give it a try.  We rationalized that they'd probably be skimpy with the quantity, so how bad could one pasta meal in four years really be?

 

No surprise that I started with their salad, which was fresh and tasty.

My friend and I both had pasta, but with different sauces.  And no surprise that there was more than we had planned on eating.  Unfortunately I finished every drop.  It was that good.  I had the mushroom sauce and she had a tomato sauce.

We both polished our meals off with fresh mint tea.  There was a quality black teabag (not one of the cheap brands) on the plate, which I took home, since I don't like black tea with mint.  The fresh mint tea was a perfect ending to the meal. And they just let us sit and sit.  We couldn't figure out if the service was bad or they were just being polite, since we had to call them over for the bill.

When I later mentioned to someone that we had discovered a new restaurant Alice, he said that it's not new at all, but its present owners had only recently bought it.

We enjoyed ourselves and recommend it.  Next time I'll try one of their lower carbohydrate main courses.  The prices were good, less than other Jerusalem restaurants.

Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 until last customer ; Friday, 8:00 until one hour before Shabbat; Saturday, after Shabbat ends until last customerShammai St. 17City CenterKosher/Rabbinate

Finally tried it out

For whatever reasons, I kept thinking that the Shammai 12 restaurant in Jerusalem was similar to the Hillel chain.


Maybe that's because the streets are parallel. But the Aroma chain is the one similar to Hillel. Shammai 12 is something else. It's one of those "Italian" ones.


I finally tried it out not long ago.


The waitress tried to talk me out of having spinach ravioli in pesto sauce. She said that many customers are turned off by so much green, but I liked it. The only mistake was that I was at a "social occasion," the screening of Refusenik afterwards, and I kept having to clean my mouth with mint strips because of the garlic.


The location, music and food, all fine.