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’ve been on food tours in Barcelona, Jerusalem and New York and I truly believe it’s a great way to discover a city.

Therefore I was positively thrilled that I was able to go on a food tour of Levinsky Market with Delicious Israel.

Even though I lived in Tel Aviv for 4 years and have visited Tel Avis several times in the last 7 years, this particular neighbourhood was never on my radar.

This has now changed thanks to Delicious Israel who introduced it to me the other day.

The tour was friendly and fun and consisted of a few tourists from the UK, France and the U.S. Our tour guide was a native English speaker and was super knowledgeable and clearly passionate about food.

Not to mention that on this tour I learned a few things. For example, I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen cinnamon that looked like this before.

You see this green fruit next to the apple? Notice how its’ bigger than the apple? It’s an orange. ..not an over sized lime! How cool is that?

Plus I ate the most delicious hummus that was WARM. Once again, this was something new for me. I really did learn quite a bit on this tour.

The tour was certainly comprehensive and we were introduced to a variety of interesting spots in the Levinsky Market i.e a spice shop, bourekas, a hummus restaurant, a cool restaurant that served cured meats and craft beers, a famous bakery and more!! No one left hungry.

At the end of the tour we were given cute business cards. I swear I’m going to try my best to get thru this list by Sept 22nd. Wish me luck.

This company does more than just tours – in fact I really wanted to participate  in on their “cook and shuk” tours but the timing didn’t work out. I guess this means I will have to book this for my next trip!!

Please take a few minutes and click on their website. Not to mention that I highly suggest you book a tour on your next visit to Israel. You won’t regret it.

For more information:

Website: www.DeliciousIsrael.com

Instagram/Twitter: @DeliciousIsrael

Email: info@deliciousisrael.com

Telephone Number from ABROAD: +972 525 699 499

Telephone Number in ISRAEL: 0525 699 499

Disclosure: This tour was complimentary however all opinions are my own.

 

 

The school year is coming to an end and I swear I’ve finally perfected the “what’s-going-into-the-lunch-box” syndrome.

Here’s the options:

a) FRUIT: This is the easiest part, as there’s always fruit hanging around. (apple, orange, banana, strawberries, blueberries etc). On the occasion, I will mix it up and include a kiwi or starfruit or something exotic.

b) VEGETABLES: Again  – kind of easy as there’s always veggies hanging around in the fridge (cucumber, red pepper, baby carrots)

c) THE MAIN COURSE: Seeing as my kitchen is dairy. I can’t send meat sandwiches to school. So I send: veggie hot dogs wrapped in a  tortilla, tuna sandwiches, smoked salmon/cream cheese on whole wheat bread, pasta in a thermos, rice/veggies in a thermos. For special occasions, I will send party sandwiches (which are always a hit)

d) YOGURT: These drinkable yogurts are bought on a regular basis.

e) SNACKS: Lately I’ve been including Sabra Hummus in the lunchbox. This is a new addition to the lunch box and I’m all too happy to add it in there. No joke – my daughter can tell the difference between Sabra and other brands. Hands down, Sabra is her favourite brand. (specifically the hummus with roasted pine nuts)

True Story: I still remember that my mom put Frito’s in my lunch when I was a kid. I can’t remember what else was in my lunch bag but I remember those small bags of Frito’s.

For more information about Sabra and their wide range of products, , please click here.

Disclosure: I was provided with product, however all opinions are my own

 

Seeing as it was my birthday the other day, I thought it was only appropriate for me to check out a new restaurant!! Wouldn’t you agree?.

The chosen restaurant: S. Lefkowitz, which is owned by Ezra Braves who also owns Ezra’s Pound. (also worth checking out if you haven’t been). I’ve known Ezra for years as I used to supply him with Boylans back in the day when I was a food sales rep. When I heard about the opening of this restaurant, I thought to myself “What a brilliant idea”.

The menu certainly appeals to me. Take a peek. Notice the line at the bottom of the menu: We use only organic chickpeas, meat, tahini, eggs & olive oil. Ezra has always been committed to serving organic food (as much as possible) as well as operating a restaurant that is environmentally friendly as well.

Of course, I tried the hummus. My initial thought was: OMG IT”S WARM. My next thought was OMG IT’S DELICIOUS.

Then I tried the Labneh. My initial thought was: I’m so glad I’m eating alone so I can eat the whole plate. (which I did). It was creamy and silky and perfect.

I can’t wait to go back on a weekend with a group of 5 friends so we can try all 5 types of hummus….AND more labneh.

Congratulations Ezra on your new concept. I have no doubt that this restaurant will be embraced by Torontonians.

For more information:

S. Lefkowitz 923 Dundas St. W, Toronto, 647 346-8448

Hours: 10:30 am  to 530 pm every day. CLOSED MONDAYS.

Twitter: @hummuslefkotwitz (love this username)