Israel turned 70 this year and I’m going to celebrate by attending a few events this week!

Here’s the three experiences that are on my radar:

1 . The Toronto Jewish Film Festival is taking place from May 3 to 12 and of course I’ve spent time studying the festival guide to make my selections and trust me this takes a bit of time! However due to the bad weather last weekend, I watched plenty of video clips and made my selections! Cool fact: one of the films being shown at this years festival (Doubtful) is currently in theatres in Israel.

Also, don’t delay to buy your tickets. I tried to get into one film and it’s sold out. Lesson learned! Either order online or call 416 324-9191 (phone lines  are open from 12 pm to 6 pm) or head to the Festival Box Office at 19 Madison from 12 pm to 6 pm.

For more information:

Website: www.tjff.com

Twitter: @TJFF

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorontoJewishFilmFestival/

(ps I love their Facebook page and follow it closely)

Instagram: @TJFF

2. I’ve also been following Spotlight on Israeli Culture which has a variety of events taking place throughout the city from March to June 2018.  There’s something for everyone – theatre, cuisine, film, literature,  dance, music , visual arts

Click here to view the entire schedule.

Naturally I’m going to the Cuisine event and I’m heading to the Music event too (just to mix things up a bit!!).

I’m excited to hear some Israeli Jazz featuring renowned jazz innovator, Israeli trumpeter Itamar Borochov. Award-winning local singer Aviva Chernick, will open the evening with her unique sound. #soexcited

This event is being held on Sunday May 6th at 730 pm at the Rex Jazz and Blues Bar (194 Queen St West). $20 Cash at the door on the night of the event.

For more information:

Website: http://www.spotlightonisraeliculture.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsraelSpotlight/

3. I’m also determined to head to Parallel to eat some hummus and pita. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Israels’ birthday. This restaurant has been on my radar since they opened and its about time I get there!!

I also following them closely on Facebook and I’m hungry each time I see their posts.

Website: https://parallelbrothers.com

Address: 217 Geary Avenue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parallelbrothersGE/

Disclosure: I’ve been provided with complimentary tickets however all opinions are my own

I received an invitation to attend a  Future Food Salon that would include music, art and CRICKETS. I hit the reply button in a nano second.

As you know….I  love adventure and any type of food event. Therefore this event appealed to me on so many levels, that I made sure I could attend!

Hosted by Alimentary Initiatives and the Culture of Cities Centre, this salon was the first in the 2013 series of four that will take place in Toronto, Waterloo, Manhattan and Montreal.

The evening was located in a very cool space that was perfect for the event. Specifically, 345 Gallery at 345 Sorauren!

When I walked in, I wondered thru a variety of art exhibits.

Then I reached the main attraction:  THE CRICKETS.

Please don’t judge me, but I ate seconds of EVERYTHING that was offered that evening. There was even raw and vegan creations by Earth and City that did not include crickets!

Special mention to Cookies Martinez who created wicked tasting “Chocolate Covered Cricket Cookies”. The other hors d’oeuvres that I enjoyed that evening were from Urban Acorn Catering. Congratulations to all the food suppliers that evening as they did an amazing job in terms of creativity, execution and presentation!

I didn’t have the chance to stay for the music or for the “Cricket” presentation. However I am confident that I would have been fascinated to listen to Jakub Dzamba, who is an architecture PHD candidate as well as an expert on crickets.

What amazed me about this event was that the tickets were only $25 and $18 for students. This was great value for a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to eat crickets, listen to some music. explore a variety of art exhibits and learn about crickets too.

Please take a peek at these websites for more information:

Alimentary Initiatives is a Toronto-based company that works to enhance food culture through initiatives that celebrate real food.

Culture of Cities Centre The culture of cities centre is devoted to new ways of representing, shaping and defining urban culture.