A Cuban fiesta: The Sheraton Tel Aviv toasts four decades on Hayarkon
The original Sheraton, one of Israel’s first luxury hotels, opened in March 1961 and was attended by David Ben-Gurion.
By GLORIA DEUTSCHCuba themed party at the Sheraton Tel Aviv.(photo credit: Courtesy)
Celebrating 40 years since moving to its premises on Hayarkon Street in Tel Aviv, the Sheraton Hotel recently threw a party to which hundreds of guests were invited. Diplomats, journalists, hotel guests and business associates milled around the rooftop pool, enjoying the culinary delights put out by the Sheraton kitchen.The theme of the party was Cuba, so Cuban food, drink, music and cigars were all very much in evidence. There were food stations strategically placed around the pool area, and guests could choose from a huge variety of food, both savory and sweet.On arrival, the guests were greeted with a brimming flute of champagne, which helped get them into the party mood. To nibble with the champagne were tempura-coated vegetables with salsa and grilled polenta bruschetta with fresh tuna salad, charred tomatoes and chili. Little cups of spicy gazpacho enhanced with an exotic liqueur were exceptionally refreshing on the hot summer night.Seven stations of very different food offerings were arranged around the pool. The first, called Downtown Havana, offered three kinds of fish ceviche – Peruvian, Cuban and Caribbean – served in a banana leaf with sweet corn bread. Full marks to the chef for originality of presentation, as well as tasty and varied flavors.Station Two presented a Cuban sandwich – toasted bread covered in slices of braised lamb, grilled jalapenos, avocado, garlic and tofu cream. The lamb was grilled on an open flame in the corner and brought over for slicing when ready.Station Three – The Marketplace – was a beautiful display of colorful fruits and vegetables cut and prepared by the chef on the spot and served with different dressings.Station Four offered a variety of breads, and Station Five constituted a slow grill of veal spareribs or boneless chicken served with plantain chips.Station Six – From the Sea – served crispy snapper fillets baked, not fried, and flavored with curry and fresh lime juice.Station Seven was the dessert section, featuring Cuban crème caramel – much like French crème caramel – served with sautéed banana and chunks of fresh coconut.The hotel’s general manager, Franco Valli, was on hand to welcome guests and spoke of the 40 years in which the Sheraton has been situated on Hayarkon Street.The original Sheraton, one of Israel’s first luxury hotels, opened in March 1961 and was attended by David Ben-Gurion, no less. Today, said Valli, the hotel is a home away from home for businesspeople and travelers from all over the world.Guests danced the night away to Latin American rhythms, with singer Anna Spitz creating a wonderful warm ambience.The people at the Sheraton really know how to throw a party.The writer was a guest of the event.Sheraton Tel Aviv Kosher 115 Hayarkon St., Tel Aviv Tel: (03) 521-1111
