Ashdod as you’ve never tasted it

The Ashdod Festival of the Nations and Their Tastes will be taking over the city, providing visitors with a glimpse into delicacies.

By YONI COHEN
Dining on a private yacht in Ashdod 311 (photo credit: Yoni Cohen)
Dining on a private yacht in Ashdod 311
(photo credit: Yoni Cohen)
When was the last time anyone ever said, “Let’s go to Ashdod for a fancy meal or a culinary treat”? It was probably a very long time ago, or never at all.
But all that is about to change.
Gone are the days when Tel Aviv and Jerusalem dominated the food scene in Israel. Ashdod is one city that is really coming into its own and taking advantage of its richly diverse population. The southern coastal city has an interesting history of immigrants from all over the world who have helped shape it into a vibrant and dynamic place to live, and eat.
In an attempt to put itself on the gourmet menu map, Ashdod is opening its restaurants’ doors for all the country to come and see what delicious delights the city has to offer.
The Ashdod Festival of the Nations and Their Tastes will take over the city during Hanukka. It is an excuse for Ashdod to showcase and salute the various cultures, nations and ethnic backgrounds that have helped make the city what it is today.
As part of the festival, all participating restaurants will offer a “festive meal” for the fixed price of NIS 79. It will include a starter, main course and dessert. Each restaurant represents one of the many different cultures that exist in Ashdod.
A number of different culinary tours will be showing off the rich diversity of the city’s gastronomic offerings. The tours will be led by an expert guide and will include tastings at a range of different eating establishments.
The guides will take participants to all the unknown corners of the city and reveal hidden secrets that only a local would know about.
The cost of a tour is NIS 50, and participants must provide their own vehicle. Tours are booked in advance by calling (08) 854-5210 or 050-784-7849.
As well as food, the various types of music characterizing each of the nationalities will be represented throughout the evenings of the festival.
Some highlights that cannot be missed:
For participants in the NIS 79 festival deal – Taking advantage of its location on the Mediterranean, Ashdod boasts an impressive marina with a range of different boats and yachts. Enjoy a romantic meal on an intimate yacht as Tzahi and Osnat Yeshoron serve their home-cooked, freshly prepared creations in a relaxed, yet sophisticated environment.
(Ashdod Marina, 050-990-8852, www.mazavharuach.com.)
Idi Israelovitch, who owns a range of fish restaurants in the city, invites festival visitors to enjoy a nautical-themed meal at one of his restaurants claiming to serve only the freshest fish and seafood.
“Edi’s at the Marina” is located in a romantic and intimate environment (Management building, Ashdod Marina, (08) 866-2236, (08) 866-2290.)
 For a taste of French desserts, “La Lyonnaise” cannot be missed. This Parisian-inspired patisserie is filled to the brim with creative cream cakes, croissants and sweet sensations. (Star Center, Ashdod, (08) 856-6767.)
There is no need to travel all the way to Tripoli for some authentic Libyan food because Ashdod has its very own “Mama MePruma” which provides all the best traditional North African delicacies. Enjoy couscous in various different forms, along with slowcooked meats in a warm and homely environment
(Mahlai Tripoli, Rehov Ha’avoda 44, Ashdod (08) 856-7681.)
Another North African establishment to visit is “With Morris.”
Morris, owner and head chef of this charming sandwich stall located in the historic center of town, claims to make the “the best Tunisian sandwich in Israel.” Even if this claim has not been officially proven, a trip to “With Morris” is worth it just for the fried bread prepared on the premises and the friendly, family-style service.
(Rehov Rogozin 23, Commercial Center, Area A, Ashdod (08) 856-7161.)
The Ashdod Festival of the Nations and Their Tastes will take place December 2 to 9. For more information, including a list of participating restaurants, visit www.goashdod.com