Authentic Arab Israeli food ...

Hummus Abu Adham is located at 151 Iben Giverol Street corner of Pincas Street. Haaretz newspaper called this little spot 'one of the five best hummus places in Tel Aviv'. While Journeywoman didn't try the other four we can attest to how much we enjoyed the food at this place. For most folks this is a bit off the tourist trail but we think it's worth the effort if you're interested in basic Arab Israeli food. This is a very small, simple, clean space with large picture windows overlooking a Tel Aviv residential neighbourhood. It was so pleasant for us to hear discussions from other diners in three languages -- Arabic, Hebrew and English.

We thoroughly enjoyed our huge plate (big enough to share) of Arabic Salad (veggies very finely chopped) with techina dressing. Next came our plate of freshly made falafel (spiced round chickpea fritters) served with a huge helping of hummus accompanied by as much pita bread you need or want. We washed down everything with a pitcher of house-made lemonade that was perfect (just sweet enough not to spoil the lemon tanginess). Dessert was Baklawa and if I remember correctly our bill for the two of us was under $20.00.
(Source: Gila A, Tel Aviv, Israel)

Woman-owned bookstore in Tel Aviv ...

If I lived in Tel Aviv I'd be in this indie bookstore and cafe all the time. Bookworm is owned and operated by two women (Eliana Ydov and Fanny Hershinzon) who've been business partners for the last twenty-five years. They specialize in contemporary fiction, psychoanalysis, design and architecture. It's a treat to browse their well-stocked shelves which include a good basic selection of English titles alongside their main Hebrew collection. The shop is modern, beautifully lit and boasts an active bulletin board of events around town.

Their quiet cafe at the back of the shop is a real find. I counted 12 tables where 50% of the folks were working at their computers. The rest were reading and enjoying their coffee, sandwiches (like goat cheese with red pepper) and homemade cakes and muffins that were so incredibly tasty especially when compared to the mass produced, standard fare most coffee shops serve. A real find! Address: 9 Rabin Square

(Source: Evelyn Hannon, Toronto, Canada)

The Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv...

Journeywoman was invited to spend one night at the Dan Panorama Hotel while I was in Tel Aviv. What a treat! My room was well appointed, the bed comfortable and I cannot say enough about the warm, welcoming service. For a large hotel to achieve that type of ambiance is a rare treat.

And the location? Imagine the soft, sandy beaches of the Mediterranean just across the street. The view from my window was breathtaking as the sun went down over the sea.

However, I warn you. Don't go down to breakfast if you're on a diet. Their buffet is spectacular. There is never just one type of fish, cheese, bread, eggs or baked goods to choose from. I counted at least ten choices for each on a buffet table that runs the length of the huge dining room. The Dan Panorama even has a specialty coffee bar. Expresso, Americano, latte, decaf -- you name it, they serve it. P.S. to moms: the Dan Panorama has a Kids Club, too. Darn! I wish I could have stayed longer. Website: http://www.danhotels.com/Hotel-Tel-Aviv

Airport taxi service...

Here's a local's tip. When I fly out of Tel Aviv I always use a company called Hadar Lod as they offer a reduced rate of 90 shekles to Ben Gurion International Airport. They do this because the airport is their home base and when they bring passengers into the city they don't want to go back without a fare. Their telephone number is: 972-2-9711103 however if you're in Tel Aviv just dial 9711103.
(Source: Sunny H. Tel Aviv, Israel)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Just a tweeny tidbit of airport information. Terminal Three, the international terminal at Ben Gurion International Airport has free wi-fi. Hurray!