For a period of a month, starting this week, Hilton Tel Aviv Lobby bar offers an Israeli Tasting Menu of 7 courses featuring Israeli and Mediterranean dishes ideal for sharing.
The Hilton terrace that was recently renovated spans over about 1000 square meters and has turned into a scenic extension of the lobby bar. The Turkish architect Sinan Kafadar designed the new look with a new wooden floor, garden furniture and accessories. It now has contemporary décor and stunning sea view!
The new dairy tasting menu costs 60$ (or 70$ including one cocktail) is comprised of 7 courses that are suitable for a couple to share. Hilton Executive Chef Rafik Jabarin says that he is often being asked to serve concept meals – Italian, French, etc. and that there is a growing interest in local, Israeli food. The Israeli Tasting Menu is a creation fusing 70 years of Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine into 7 courses:
Homemade Buns with Dips
Yogurt with Crushed Tomato / Olive Oil with Garlic Confit / Zucchini Spread with Labneh Cheese
Jerusalem Style Fish Tartar
with Tahini, Goat’s Yogurt, Sumac & mint
Eggplant Caviar
Hame’iri local cheese & Eggplant French fries
Grey Mullet Shawarma
on a Toasted Pita Bread, Tahini Msabbaha & Spicy Tomato Salsa
Tabule Salad
with Falafel & Labneh Cheese with Za’atar
Fish and Eggplant Seniya
with Tomato Sauce
Knafeh
with Citrus syrup
We tasted the meal and enjoyed it very much. It brings Israeli, Arab and Mediterranean tastes in a fusion of classic and new. Everything was tasty; my favorite dish was the Sinia (spelled Seniya in the menu) that tasted like fish Moussaka with silky eggplant and balanced flavors. All the food was beautifully presented in grey clay dishes and full of flavors! For a full review of the dishes- click here.
As part of the 70th celebration they serve two theme cocktails:
THE INDEPENDENCE MULE Belvedere Vodka, Lime, Ginger Beer, Apricot Syrup, Almond Syrup
MARGARITA 70 Patron Silver, Patron Lime, Lychee Liqueur, Pomegranate Juice, watermelon syrup
In addition to the cocktails, there is a relatively wide selection of local Israeli wines by the glass. Lior Kahana, the Food and Beverage Manager, says that they are using a wine station that keep the wines fresh for up to two months, which gives them more flexibility.
The concept menus are changing each holiday, event and occasion; stay tuned to enjoy great culinary on the Hilton’s picturesque terrace!
Disclosure: the writer was a guest of Hilton