Bring a quartet of friends or family to take advantage of a great deal at the Pacific.
By LINDA LIPSCHITZ
Although I usually avoid hotel restaurants, Pacific at the Crowne Plaza hotel is in a class unto itself. Celebrating its fourth anniversary with a special menu of four courses for four people at 444 shekels, Pacific is well worth a visit.
The dining room with its soft lighting and French/Asian-style decoration is luxurious and inviting. Seated by one of the large windows overlooking the beach with a wonderful view of the sea, after passing the open kitchen where Asian chefs were busily preparing sushi, our gastric juices were flowing.
The concept of the new menu is that each of the first courses can be shared by all four diners. We tucked into the deliciously fresh and beautifully presented sushi platter, chicken and vegetable steamed dumplings served in a bamboo steamer, and chicken wings in sweet chili sauce - all complimented by a refreshing green salad in Asian vinegar. A basket of fresh hot rolls was placed on the table but, with so much food, they went untouched.
A welcoming intercourse glass of grapefruit and campari sorbet appeared, which refreshed our palates for the rest of the meal. The denis filet (pictured) with crispy skin served on a bed of pureed potatoes and aubergine cream was fresh and delicious. The entrecote brochette on a bed of stir-fried vegetable rice while melt-in-your mouth soft was served rare, almost blue. Although this was exactly as we like it, we were not asked beforehand as to our cooking preference.Other main course choices are baby chicken in herbs and a lamb kebab.
Cocoa truffles, a three chocolate flavoured mousse, ice cream and a marquise chocolate halva are the dessert choices. Being too full to really appreciate them, we had a tiny sample of each and, compliments to the chef, you could not tell they were parve.
Relaxed dining with excellent food and gracious service is always a great pleasure, and this is exactly what Pacific offers. In addition to the fourth anniversary special, the a-la-carte menu is also available.
Pacific, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 145 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv, (03) 575 4945; kosher