Valley flavors: Part 1

As part of Emek Izrael’s annual food festival, Yokneam Moshava residents open their houses to the public to view and buy arts, crafts.

By TAMARA ZIEVE
Ancient tractors collection 390 (photo credit: Ayal Rozansky)
Ancient tractors collection 390
(photo credit: Ayal Rozansky)
Emek Izrael’s eighth annual food festival is underway – but this time with a twist. This year, Teamim Baamakim organizers have thrown art into the mix, fusing sumptuous food with  arts and crafts created by members of Yokneam Moshava (farming community). During the 10-day food extravaganza, restaurants invite festival-goers to wine and dine at dramatically discounted rates. In the lead up to the festival, members of the moshava open their houses to the public, inviting anyone and everyone to view and purchase their hand-made creations.  The personal touch permeates the event in a manner that truly warms the heart, and the hilly region offers spectacular views. 
Open houses: On Saturday January 28, members of the public are invited to tour the moshava. Artwork includes paintings, glass work, bags, sculpture and jewelery. Other attractions include a collection of ancient tractors, jeep tours, restaurants and food tasting.  A local map marking out the location of each open house is provided for visitors convenience.  Guests may either wander around on their own, or take a guided tour for a symbolic fee of  NIS10 . Tours are available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.  - to book contact Rafi Lavi on 0524549012. Residents are eager to welcome visitors into their homes and share their unique artistic viewpoints.
“Master Chef”:  The grand finale of the Chef of the Valley cooking competition will take place on Monday January 30 at Beit Lechem HaGlilit’s Spicy Way- Herb and Spice Farm. The region’s finest cooks will compete to concoct a winning first course, combining herbs of their choice from Spicy Way’s vast range with Tu Bishvat (Jewish New Year of the trees) flavors.  The public is invited to come and watch the competition, which will be followed by a music performance and a lecture by herbalist and Spicy Way owner Avi Zitterspieler. The event is free of charge.