Early Lunch and Visit to Israel Museum

Yesterday I only had one of my Matan classes, so I was finished there before 10:30, and I had made a date with a friend visiting Jerusalem. Since we had a couple of hours and we were both hungry, we decided to go to the Israel Museum.

Mansfeld Café is always a good choice for a simple tasty dairy meal. For her it was breakfast, and for me it was an early lunch. I chose the Quiche of the Day, which was spinach. It comes with a fresh salad and was totally delicious.

After eating we found ourselves just wandering around various exhibits, not with any real plan. We didn't even check to see what's new. There is always so much to see in the Israel Museum, even in the permanent exhibits there are changes, since the museum has  so much in its storage facilities.

We really enjoyed looking at these beautiful and amazingly modern-looking jewelry in the Jewish Costume and Jewelry: A Matter of Identity gallery.

Right now, even though quite a few galleries are being redone with  new exhibits, there's still plenty to see. As the days get hotter, it's extra important to find places that are indoors. Parking is free, and there are a number of buses that you can take to the Israel Museum.

An Evening at The Israel Museum

Tuesday evening I was at the Israel Museum, which is the perfect place for me to "hang out" in Jerusalem. I hadn't been there for quite awhile, so I tried to see some new exhibits. And then I ended my time there with a perfect Spinach Quiche in Mansfeld Cafe.

I was amazed at how many young families were at the museum with little kids and babies. One of the great things about this museum is how child-friendly it is. My children have great memories of our visits when they were growing up. And the renovations done a few years ago have made it even more fun and handicapped accessible than it had been.

Here are some photos:

Lunch and Art Tour in the Israel Museum

After just too many delays, I was finally able to take my friend out for her birthday yesterday. We met at the Israel Museum's Mansfeld dairy restaurant/coffee shop, which is in its entrance. Yes, that means that you don't have to pay admission to eat there and parking is free. Mansfeld is strictly kosher, and the food is fresh and delicious. Prices are very reasonable, too. We both ordered the Quiche of the Day, which was spinach and came with a perfect salad.

Open: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs 8 am - 5 pm | Tues 8 am - 9 pm | Fri 8 am - 2 pm.
For inquiries: 02-5636280; fax: 02-561-8399; cafe@mansfeld.co.il To arrange events: 054-884-7133 or 050-997-8800

After having a pleasant and relaxing meal, we decided to go into the Museum. As "seniors," entrance is half price, and there are other discounts; click for information, even though basic entrance fee is very reasonable especially considering that you can easily spend a day or more wandering around. There's so much to see. As we entered, we saw a sign about gallery tours and realized that we had just missed the beginning of a free "art tour" in English. A helpful museum volunteer got us close to where the tour was, so we were able to find and join it.

It was fascinating and the perfect dessert for my friend's birthday celebration. Here are some photos:

Rain or shine, nothing is more fun, enjoyable or interesting than the Israel Museum!

Great Meal at Mansfeld, Israel Museum

Last week, after seeing some of the exhibits in the Israel Museum, I was desperate to eat, Since it was already pretty late, my dining partner and I decided to see what there was in Mansfeld, the dairy cafe in the Israel Museum.

I've eaten there many times, and I always enjoy it. One special advantage is that service is very fast. Within minutes our meals were brought to us. My dining partner ordered their "noodle salad," and I had the quiche, which came with a salad.

These were perfect meals for the end of a busy day. There was also a wholewheat roll with butter for us. Prices were very reasonable, much less than a similar meal would cost in the center of the city, and parking is free.

You don't have to "enter" the museum to eat in the restaurant. Just go through security and you can access Mansfeld.

"Sister" Restaurants, Piccolino and Mansfeld

Last week I ended up eating out a lot, during my usual two days in Jerusalem. Both days I had lunch in the Israel Museum, in the dairy Mansfeld Cafe. And both times I had suggested it to visitors who wanted a location where they wouldn't have to pay for parking. The Israel Museum was perfect for them, and they were very impressed by the food, prices and service there. And of course, visiting the museum (entrance fee) was an added bonus to the location.

Salmon plate at Mansfeld

One of my friends ordered the Salmon, and said that she never orders salmon in restaurants, because the price is always so high, but in Mansfeld it was very reasonable.

Mansfeld, the Museum's dairy cafés, are named after Al Mansfeld, the first architect of the Israel Museum and winner of the Israel Prize for Architecture for his design of the Museum. The café's rich menu includes home-baked goods, cakes, sandwiches, salads and hot dishes. The café is suitable for hosting private events. Mansfeld is kosher dairy under the supervision of the Chief Rabbinate of Jerusalem, Mehadrin . 
Dining in the café does not require purchase of an admissions ticket to the Museum. Museum members and Friends of the Israel Museum are entitled to a 10% discount.
Parking is free and the restaurant is accessible to all. 
Open: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs 8 am - 5 pm | Tues 8 am - 9 pm | Fri 8 am - 2 pm.
For inquiries: 02-5636280; fax: 02-561-8399; cafe@mansfeld.co.il To arrange events: 054-884-7133 or 050-997-8800

For dinner, that Wednesday evening, before going to STARS OVER JERUSALEM I, I went to Piccolino, owned by the same family as Mansfeld, which is always a treat. I was on my own and asked for a quiet table, since I had a book with me which I need to finish reading.  If I had been feeling more sociable, I would have sat at the bar. I ordered their Pea Soup which had that homemade taste, rare in a restaurant soup.

Then I got a perfect salad of tomatoes, cheese and basil.  I ate all of this with their delicious house bread. It was the perfect meal after a busy day before a busy evening.

Piccolino Dairy Italian Restaurant, Glatt Kosher, is located in a historic stone building at 12 Yoel Moshe Solomon Street, in Music Square, Nachalat Shiva, Jerusalem. Piccolino offers a menu that combines simplicity and uncompromising quality. Reservations for evening hours are recommended Call 02-6244186. There are private rooms for events and celebrations.