My husband and I were fortunate enough to visit Israel in late November. This trip was different than our previous ones. We were there to vacation, some R&R, and to visit our grandson who attended Yeshiva Mevaseret Tzion. There was nothing planned on our itinerary except to explore and enjoy Jerusalem.

And explore we did... from learning the ticket process for the sleek light rail, to understanding the bus schedules, to visiting some of Jerusalem’s many sites. From the neighborhoods to the Kotel, we walked and walked and walked. I was not wearing a Fit Bit or Apple watch, but it had to be thousands and thousands of steps daily. I unofficially named this trip “Eating and Drinking our way through Jerusalem”. Along with our grandson and sometimes his very willing friends, we enjoyed every bite! Israel’s kashrut is complicated, and the rabbinate is currently undergoing a controversy (so what’s new?) on varying types of kashrut certification. Some of the restaurants mentioned in this series of articles are certified Rabbanut Yerushalayim, which is not accepted by all; and some are Mehadrin Yerushalayim, a more widely accepted level of certification. I suggest that you call the restaurant, ask your rabbi or refer to the restaurant’s website for certification details- since certification changes quite often.

Shabbos Lunch at the David Citadel Hotel
Warm, friendly, sumptuous, Hamish – a multi-course banquet for everyone. That is how I would describe the Shabbos lunch at The David Citadel Hotel, a Jerusalem landmark. The talented staff, including the manager, the chef and the servers, were outstanding. Read more about Shabbos Lunch at the David Citadel. . .

Piccolino
Piccolino exceeded our expectations in taste, presentation and service. There were smiles all around when we entered, and friendly, efficient, accommodating service through the superb dinner. And what a dinner it was! Read more about Piccolino. . .

Lechem Basar - Meat and Eat
Lechem Basar, known as "Meat and Eat" in English, is located in Jerusalem’s old train station. Both the restaurant and the center are bustling, fun, eclectic, “happening” venues -- especially at night. The décor and ambiance combine both the old and new in an updated setting of shops, bars and eateries. Read more about Lechem Basar . . .