Bo’ker Tov, Tel Aviv

Jul 26, 2010

Among the thousands of glittering gems Tel Aviv has to offer (parties until sunrise, Shabbat dinner with the hairstylist that invited you after one haircut, beaches that breathe, Shawarma so good you’ll have to nap afterwards, open-air markets brimming with vegetables, etc.) there is one gem –one in particular – that outshines them all. One whose sparkle is too bright to go unnoticed, yet one that is often lost in the shuffle of things to do/eat/experience in this city, one that people so easily overlook and even sometimes (and it pains me to say this) forget. I’m talking, of course, about Israeli breakfast. That’s right, Israeli breakfast: finely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers bathed in lemon juice and olive oil and topped with just a pinch of salt, baskets full of breads and spreads, fresh eggs as fluffy as the clouds that hang above them. Israeli breakfast is what holds our society together; it’s what keeps us sane (in this reviewer's opinion, at least).

Here are two places that offer life-altering Israeli breakfasts (polite waiter not often included).

Saquella Café

King George 46, Tel Aviv

Saquella sits smack in the middle of King George, a main thoroughfare for the gastronomically-minded in the center of Tel Aviv; a street packed with abrasive buses, shwarma joints, and small shops full of things you don’t need. This café is one you might miss, or perhaps not think to set foot in, because it looks like any other café in a busy area; another coffee joint with nothing to offer except an imitation of the hustle and bustle around it. And it is, in some ways (go there on a Saturday and you’ll understand), but none of that really matters. Because in the end, their unbelievable breakfast trumps all.

What You Get: A fresh loaf of bread (as in FRESH), brought to you hot, straight from the oven (even if they’re re-heating it, I swear you can’t tell) coated with crunchy sesame seeds. Pull it apart, warm and doughy, and watch the steam rise like burning incense in some hidden temple. Worship this moment. Smother the bread in one of seven different spreads they provide (butter, jam, labaneh, guacamole, tuna, feta with peppers, white cheese). Eggs your way. Or get one of their fancy pre-conceived omelets (I recommend the Norwegian: smoked salmon, onions and scallions topped with a dollop of Israeli sour cream. Mmm). Did I mention you could share?

What You Pay: 45 NIS (two drinks, hot or cold, included)

Idelson 10

Dizengoff 117, Tel Aviv

Oh, I could just shake you so hard! I could just shake you until you really, truly comprehend the importance of this Café’s godly breakfast experience. Hands down, no arguing, the best thing to happen to me since I arrived in this country. This café is located in the more “posh” area of Tel Aviv, a friendly compromise between the chaotic center and the quiet north. I guess what I’m trying to say is, it’s a bit more expensive. But worth it. Oh so worth it.

What You Get: A Fresh bread-basket arranged carefully with the thickest, moistest slices of various breads, including sun-dried tomato, walnut and French baguettes, two warm croissants (one round and cinnamon flavored, one plain and buttery), one side of sliced Gouda cheese (to stuff your omelet with) and another with yummy, fatty French style salami (if you’re kosher, ask for them to “take it away!” and give you extra cheese instead). And of course, you'll get sides of creamy white cheese, butter and jam for the bread, as well as a chopped Israeli salad with a wedge of lemon and a geometrically jiving square of feta cheese on top. Get your eggs with any number of add-ons, including fried onions, mushrooms, feta or Gouda cheese, spinach, herbs and more…

What You Pay: 55 NIS (two drinks, hot or cold, included)

*Photos taken by Sabrina Idels

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