Dining Review: Say 'I love you' with onion halla

Why do we need Tu Be'av to remind us of romance?

By ASI GAL
Dining review 224.88 (photo credit: )
Dining review 224.88
(photo credit: )
When did we lose the love? Why do we need Tu Be'av to remind us of romance? Well, I suppose that we do need one day a year to remember the fallen, one day a year to remember our victory over Haman and one day a year to remind us that our love lives can not be sustained by an occasional hug on the couch while watching Dan Manu's evil shenanigans. That is sad. On the plus side, many great restaurants have great deals for couples on this occasion. Lavan, at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, offers a meal where you and your special friend choose between two dishes for starters, main course and dessert. Do the right thing - take both options and share. That's romance! Choices are goat's cheese ravioli or sashimi for starters, roasted sea bream on risotto or eggplant tortellini for main course and a chocolate or fig dessert. 11 Hebron Rd., Jerusalem, (02) 673-7393 The sweet little restaurant Juliet's Kitchen in Ramat Hasharon offers the same concept: five courses with a choice of one of two dishes for every course. My suggestions: try the goat's yogurt and eggplant soup, the pumpkin tortellini with red pesto and Verona chocolate soufflé. Here, you'll find unique flavors that create very delicious dishes and the soufflé is one of the best I've had. Other dishes include blue crabs and shrimps in white wine sauce, veal fillet and bread pudding with peaches and white chocolate. The meal costs NIS 149 per diner and, for an additional NIS 69 you can have a tasting of various wines tailored for the meal. 42 Bialik St., Ramat Hasharon, (03) 540-6065 Francesca in Rishon Lezion is hoping to make your evening a little more romantic than just sitting in a restaurant. All through the Tu Be'av weekend they're offering a romantic basket with homemade bread, cheese and fish or smoked meats, olive tapenade and more. Additionally, you'll receive a double sized tablecloth and a bottle of Lambrusco with two glasses. The basket costs NIS 169 and must be ordered two days in advance. So be prepared, don't let that perfect picnic be spontaneous! Rishon Lezion promenade, (03) 941-4151 For those traditionalists amongst you who'd prefer celebrating the love day during the day, then Tel Aviv's Avangarde offers a 24-hour deal for couples through Saturday, August 16. For NIS 208 you get a double portion of Avangarde's famous onion halla, two personal green salads, 500g of assorted meats with a side dish of your choice and a special romantic dessert. The meal is accompanied with two glasses of red/white wine. If you come alone, be your reasons what they be, enjoy the Avangarde 8th birthday special served all through August that consists of a starter, a main course, a dessert and a glass of champagne for NIS 88. 3 Habarzel St., Tel Aviv, (03) 648-0082 The great Latin restaurant and bar Frida Kahlo, located in a beautifully renovated building, offers a couples deal all through the Tu Be'av weekend, which includes two glasses of cava, four entrees, two desserts and a flower - that's right, a flower - for NIS 180. Additional glasses of cava and Lambrusco are available for a special price of NIS 18. While there, do try the eggplant and kadayif and/or the Kahlo pizza. But, forget everything else, you must have the pistachio and cherry clafouti. It is tremendous! 43 Lilenblum St., Tel Aviv, (03) 566-0481 If your idea of romance is a stroll along the ocean with you and your special friend licking delicious ice cream, then head over to Shaked. The boutique ice-cream parlor is located at the Tel Aviv port and offers unique flavor creations such as pears in wine, champagne sorbet, chocolate cherry and, of course, more. One scoop costs NIS 12, two go for NIS 17 and a combination of four with forest fruits and chocolate drops is NIS 38. If you want to feel a bit tipsy as you walk the promenade with your cream dream then a pair of cave glasses is available for NIS 32. Main entrance at the Tel Aviv port, (03) 676-0438 So there you have it. There are many great options for you to enjoy with your special friend - be it guy or gal. In my case, I've a heterosexual male soul mate with who I share a time-honored love of sipping cava while surrounded by heart-shaped red balloons.