Archive for April, 2015

Apr
25


I’ve kind of been missing in action these days as I went to Israel and Italy for two weeks.  To say I was busy would be an understatement. I seemed to have visited 6 cities in 14 days…Amsterdam, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Florence, Venice and Rome.

So please bear with me as I’m going to dedicate a few (just a few..LOL) blog posts about my travels. As you know, I’ve been to Israel before, but this trip was special for these 3 reasons:

1. I had the opportunity to celebrate my 50th birthday on the Tel Aviv beach.

2. I  got the chance to spend time with my daughter who is studying in Jerusalem, since Jan 25th.

3. I was able to celebrate the Passover seder with my amazing daughter and amazing cousins.

This trip was by no means a “touring trip”. I was there to see family and friends and eat. LOL.

What really blew my mind about this trip is how different it looks from 3 decades ago. For example, their airport is one of the nicest airports I’ve ever seen. I could NOT have said this 30 years ago.

israel - airport

Plus there’s no shortage of modern buildings either. Take for example, this modern building in Tel Aviv.

israel - building

I was only in Jerusalem for a day but I made sure to see the Western Wall, Mahane Yehuda (their famous food market) and go to my favorite restaurant (Caffit) for their insanely delicious Sweet Potato Salad. (36 Emek Rafaim, Jerusalem)

israel - jerusalemAfter my short stay in Jerusalem, I went to Tel Aviv. What did I do there? HANG OUT ON THE BEACH AS MUCH AS I COULD. LOL

israel - tel aviv

Naturally food was a big part of my trip and I tried to eat Shakshuka as much as I could. I discovered that not all Shakshukas are equal. In fact, I still think the Shakshuka at Dr. Laffa  (3023 Bathurst St) right here in Toronto is the best one!!

israel - food

Israel is indeed a special place for me and I can’t wait to return.

What a great 50th Birthday present. Thanks MOM and Dad!

 

 

 

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Apr
19


I turned 50 on April 2nd…. and guess what? It feels GREAT. You see, I decided to really celebrate my birthday….one could I say I genuinely EMBRACED this milestone. Here’s what I did:

I threw a big party at the end of March. Plus I went to Israel and Italy for 2 weeks. (which I will be blogging about next so hang in there!!)

More than 50 friends and family members showed up at La Bamboche to help me celebrate this important occasion. Naturally food was a big party of the party. Let me go into more detail about that!!

Here’s what was served:

-A 6 ft sub from SubwayThis was a HUGE hit. What’s really funny is that my mom also served a giant sub when she turned 50. #likemotherlikedaughter

birthday - subway

-A sushi platter from Sushi on Bloor

-A stunning vegetable basket from Lesley’s Party Sandwiches and Catering.

birthday - vegetables

-Organic cotton candy from Lola’s Clouds

-Strawberries infused with alcohol from Shotberry

-Handcrafted Caramel Corn from All Mine Caramel.

birthday - 3 foods

-A velvety chocolate Opera Cake from La Bamboche (ps my guests are still talking about this cake)

-Macarons from La Bamboche  that were in a unique “50” formation!

birthday - 50

I even ordered a special balloon so it could really feel like a party!

birthday - balloon

I’m a pretty happy 50 year old!

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