Uncovering Israel's contemporary culture

UNCOVERING ISRAEL’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

UNCOVERING ISRAEL’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

CONTENTS

Contents 4

ISRAEL’S NEW CULTURE CLUB

6

SPOTLIGHT ON ART AND DESIGN

8

SPOTLIGHT ON ARCHITECTURE

10

GET A TASTE FOR ISRAEL

12

A TEL AVIV CIT Y BREAK

14

ROTHSCHILD HOTEL

16

MONTEFIORE HOTEL

UNCOVERING ISRAEL’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

israel’s new CULTURE CLUB At Black Tomato, we’re fascinated by the connection between travel and a countries cultural DNA. That’s why we’re delving into the seductive world of contemporary, creative, Israeli culture, taking a look at what makes this country tick, and the movers and shakers behind the scenes from artists, to celebrated culinary styles.

The meeting place of cultures, empires, and religions since the beginning of history, Israel, despite its relatively small size packs an almighty punch when it comes to experiencing enriching religious sites, archaeological treasures, and spectacular natural wonders.

Look a little further under the skin of this fascinating country and you’ll find it’s challenging pre-conceptions, and surprising those who set foot on its soil (in the best possible way). Doing things differently is refreshing, and far more interesting than following the crowd. Take a look through our magazine dedicated to all things Israel.

4

ISRAEL’S NEW CULTURE CLUB

“

Doing things DIFFERENTLY IS REFRESHING, and far MORE INTERESTING than following the crowd.

”

UNCOVERING ISRAEL’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

With more museums per capita than any other country, Israel is a veritable hotbed of artistic talent. Combining influences from Jews across the globe, the art scene here is rich and varied. Jerusalem is home to one of the world’s best art schools – The Bezalel Academy of Art and Design.

And when it comes to modern Israeli art there’s a wealth of new media and material out there.

From fine art to installation, photography, and performance pieces, art in Israel has entered a new ultra-creative phase. Big name art galleries such as The Tel Aviv Art Museum are putting on more and more contemporary shows alongside their permanent exhibitions, but if you’re keen to check out up-and-coming artists you might do better to visit lesser known galleries such as ST-Art or the Dvir Gallery in Jaffa.

spotlight on ART & DESIGN

6

SPOTLIGHT ON ART & DESIGN

“

”

A veritable hotbed of ARTISTIC TALENT.

If you’re after a piece of contemporary Israeli design to take home with you we’d recommend a trip round some of Tel Aviv’s best boutiques. Vintage fashion fans should head to Roni Kantor on Rothchild Boulevard, whilst those of a more avant garde inclination might enjoy an hour or two in Frau Blau or AlefAlef.

UNCOVERING ISRAEL’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

old vs new CONSTRUCTION From the ancient alleyways of Jerusalem’s old town to the towering Bauhaus structures of Tel Aviv, Israel is a design junkie’s dream.

Known for its distinctive asymmetric appearance and imaginative use of light and shadow, the Bauhaus architectural aesthetic was initially introduced to Israel by a small group of Israeli architects educated at the Bauhaus School in Germany, before growing rapidly in popularity resulting in white sugar cube structures springing up in cities all over the country.

“ARCHITECTURE

An open air MUSEUM OF

”

But nowhere received the Bauhaus treatment in quite the same way as Tel Aviv; a UNESCO World Heritage site which now boasts approximately 4,000 of these iconic buildings.

Every year Tel Aviv hosts an Open House event where members of the public can take a sneak peek inside some of the city’s most exclusive private residences, but for a year-round window into modern Israeli architecture it’s well worth checking out the Bauhaus Centre in Tel Aviv.

8

OLD VS NEW CONSTRUCTION

UNCOVERING ISRAEL’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

From street-side falafel stands to freshly caught and cooked seafood, Israel’s culinary scene is quite literally bursting with flavour. Combining its diverse mix of cultures and traditions (the majority of Israelis have either parents or grandparents born abroad) to create a melting pot of gastronomic inspiration, the local fare here has come a long way in the last few years and now boasts an impressive spread of ground-breaking gourmet eateries.

In Jerusalem and Tel Aviv restaurants compete to create the most innovative and exciting menus whilst a new generation of celebrity chefs such as Moshe Segev work tirelessly to put Israel on the culinary map. With its sun-soaked climate and abundant seas Israel has all the ingredients needed to grow and source some of the world’s best foodstuffs; from Jaffa oranges to home-grown olive oil.

get a TASTE for ISRAEL 10

GET A TASTE FOR ISRAEL

“

Combining its DIVERSE MIX OF CULTURES and traditions to create a melting pot of GASTRONOMIC INSPIRATION

However despite its growing reputation as a burgeoning food capital Israel has not forgotten its Middle Eastern foodie roots, and thankfully, it’s still easy to find all the traditional Israeli snacks from any street vendor or market stall. Expect to sample an abundance of freshly squeezed fruit juices (pomegranate is a personal favourite) or pick up a falafel and hummus wrap at any time of the day or night. Café culture too is booming here so you’ll be sure to get your caffeine fix pretty much anywhere you go in Israel.

An intrinsic part of the Israeli food scene can also be found in the wealth of wonderful food markets spread across the

”

country. Not unlike in the Mediterranean, markets here are often a busy, bustling affair that will expose the senses to a variety of new sights, smells and sounds.

Vendors pile their produce high in colourful towers and sing songs to attract customers to their stands, whilst shoppers rush around gathering their groceries.

Check out Tel Aviv’s sprawling Hacarmael Market for a taste of one of Israel’s largest open-air bazaars, or head for Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem to sample fresh foods alongside impromptu street performances – best enjoyed from the comfort of a local cafe.

UNCOVERING ISRAEL’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

a tel aviv CULTURAL BREAK As well as Israel’s huge religious significance, its second largest city has firmly positioned itself as a hotspot for incredible nightlife, shopping, architecture and art – and we can arrange the best private guides for you.

Hole up in a boutique hotel in the iconic White City for a long weekend: away from the noise of the seafront, so you can be sure of undisturbed sleep… if that’s what you’re after. The Montefiore is a fresh, contemporary boutique hotel housing a local art gallery and a private library. Perfect for your luxury weekend in Tel Aviv.

WHEN TO GO: All year round PRICE:

IDEAL LENGTH: 4 nights

From £1,399 PP from the UK. FLIGHT TIME: From $2,929 pp from N.Y.C.

4 hrs 40 mins from London.

10 hours from N.Y.C

WE ALSO QUOTE IN OTHER CURRENCIES AND BASED ON OTHER AIPORT DEPARTURES, CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS.

12

A TEL AVIV CULTURAL BREAK

BUSTLING MARKETS AND COFFEE SPOTS From the designer shops of Shenkin Street, rich in cafés serving traditional coffee to linger over, to the boho Yemenite Quarter and the fortified port of Jaffa, the diversity here is unmissable. If shopping is on your to-do list but designer price tags aren’t, don’t miss Carmel Market: narrow avenues of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit to exotic spices and clothes. Perfect if you’re in the mood for a spot of haggling with a good-humoured stall keeper. Want to see city with an expert guide? We’ll arrange for the best locals guides to show you anything you’re into, from shopping to architecture, art and more.

DEEP IN THE BAUHAUS Start your insider’s tour of Tel Aviv with a day’s expert guiding around the city’s architecture.

Explore White City, home to the world’s largest collection of Bauhaus buildings, showing the German influences from 1930s such as world-famous Le Corbusier. Your architecture guide will also show you around the Neve Tzedek, which is now one of the city’s most stylish areas.

Many artists and musicians live inside these restored houses, which are unique with their pastel colours, large archways and romantic balconies. Another must-see is Sorona, a heritage sight where some of the earliest wineries were established by templars nearly two centuries ago.

Simply fascinating.

ART MASTERS & CONTEMPORARY BUYING For those art-lovers amongst you, spend a day immersing yourself in local galleries. Head to Gordon Street, the original hub of Tel Aviv galleries and the perfect spot for some serious art gazing, or buying. Your art guide will show you small undiscovered gems of local and contemporary art, as well as taking you around the Tel Aviv Art museum. Next, it’s time to see where the masters worked their magic: the Rubin Museum was once the home of Israeli painter Rueven Rubin, and Bailik House was home to Isreal’s national poet Chaim Nachman Bailik, both of which your guide knows inside out.

BEACH LIFE & CRUMBLING PORTS Want to escape the urban jungle? Stroll the seafront from the shiny new marina and along the sandy beaches which stretch all the way from north to south. Head south to the historic port town of Jaffa (yes, where the oranges come from), where sun-bleached castles and turreted doorways greet you beside fabulous sea views. The slower pace here is ideal for a relaxing stroll through Ottoman-influenced architecture and newer artists quarter. Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the shimmering med, or why not watch a sunset melt into the twinkling night?

After all your private guiding, you’ll feel fully knowledgeable and cultured, so it’s time to refuel. Your guide will show you the best traditional falafel: simply delicious fresh and hot wrapped in traditional flatbread. Or, for something a little bit more special, visit any of the city’s world-class restaurants before partying hard along the seafront. Our in-the-know concierge will point you towards the newest, most cutting edge venues so you can really experience the Mediterranean ‘city that never sleeps’ in style.

UNCOVERING ISRAEL’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

where to REST YOUR HEAD ROTHSCHILD HOTEL

This boutique hotel is right in the heart of the uber-edgy Williamsburg district in Brooklyn, where the art scene is on the up and the history still remains. The exterior is every bit 1950s art deco and its 64 rooms manage to be both cosy and spacious. Its rooftop pool is one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in New York and is surrounded by ample decking for cocktails and dining, making it the hot ticket in summer.

LOCATION Just one subway stop from Manhattan, the King and Grove overlooks McCarren Park. It is within easy reach of both JFK and La Guardia and a mere 10 minutes walk from the north Brooklyn ferry stop if coming over from Manhattan.

YOUR ROOM The Rothschild offers four different types of suites, each one designed by the hotels co-owner Michal Krieger. Every suite features hand-picked peices of art, spacious living areas, and one-of-a-kind furnishings that provide a warm and homely atmosphere. We loved the penthouse suite that features a two-level urban escape, with a cosy reading area where you curl up with a good book at the end of the day, and a sun-terrace perfect for catching the sunset over Tel Aviv.

14

WHY WE LIKE IT The personal service at The Rothschild is beyond anything we’ve experienced before. As soon as you step into the lobby you’ll feel as if you’ve been welcomed into a family home. The hotel staff are willing and able to help with anything you desire, from recommending the perfect place to grab an after dinner drink or a new art exhibition that’s not to be missed. The hotel guests also have access to one of Tel Aviv’s most renowned eateries Catina, which serves up delicious Italian and Mediterranean fare.

WHERE TO REST YOUR HEAD

MONTEFIORE HOTEL The Montefiore is a contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of Tel Aviv’s iconic ‘White City’.

Once a local house, this three-story building still retains its original charm, with touches like galleries of local art and a private library filled with international books. However, the hotel has cutting-edge design and contemporary furnishings to provide a luxurious hotel.

LOCATION Being in the ‘White City’, you’re just a short drive from the airport and sandwiched in between the artistic Neve Tzedek area and fabulous shopping on Shenkin street. A 10 minute walk from the beach, you’re incredibly well located for all the city’s highlights.

YOUR ROOM Clean, modern, spacious and airy, the 12 luxurious rooms at the Montefiore have large windows, wooden floors, high ceilings and cutting-edge technology. Each room showcases a different young Israeli artist, bringing a cultural slant to the contemporary style.

We love the black marble bathrooms with local products created from olive oil and the fluffy robes, slippers and towels. High speed wireless internet, flatscreen TVs, desk space and high-tech lighting make this the perfect spot for work or entertainment.

WHY WE LIKE IT Aside from the ideal location, where else can you learn about local art from your hotel room? We love the hotel’s independent attitude: its originality has created much more than just a place to sleep. The restaurant and bar are lively, and the rooms and super comfortable too.

What more could you want?

UNCOVERING ISRAEL’S CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

Want to experience the Mediterranean ‘City that never sleeps’?

To discover Israel’s culture for yourself Enquire now on blacktomato.com UK +44 207 426 9888 USA +1 646 558 3644