A kosher opportunity

40 restaurants offer two weeks of discounted meals.

By LINDA LIPSCHITZ
food 298.88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
food 298.88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Forty kosher restaurants across the country will be offering a NIS 79 menu consisting of an hors d'oeuvre, entrée and dessert at the second annual chef toh'chal (chef, eat) festival from August 19 through 30. El Gaucho on Tel Aviv's Rothschild Boulevard hosted the media for a sampling of what will be presented, as five chefs took over its kitchen to provide a gourmet feast. First courses, prepared by El Gaucho's own Itzik Feinstein, were two kinds of enchiladas - one with a baby chicken filling and the other stuffed with vegetables. Both were tasty and filling, but the accompanying tomato sauce was a little sweet. The sushi was compliments of chef Ofer Agassi of Petah Tikva's Teriyaki restaurant, and as usual looked as appetizing as it tasted. Main courses were prepared by El Gaucho, renowned for its meat, and we were not disappointed. The boneless marinated assado served with rice, the kebabs and beef slices were all nicely presented and tasty. For desert, executive chef Guy Peret of Gazpacho at the Holiday Inn in Ashkelon and of Oro served a coconut Kadif with dates and mini malabi with wild berry sauce. Both were equally good. The all-kosher participating restaurants have put every effort into coming up with interesting dishes. There are meat, Asian, Moroccan, Italian and dairy gourmet offerings. This is a great opportunity to explore quality eateries in different towns at very low prices.