It goes like this. You've covered Israel. You've eaten St. Peters fish in Tiberias. You've had Shish Kebab in Caesaria. You've eaten humus and tahini and olives and Israeli salad from Haifa to all the religious sites and now you're back in Tel Aviv. The holiday slash vacation is almost over and your palate runneth over with spices and herbs you've never tasted before. Your child says imploringly, "couldn't we just get a hamburger?"

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"You don't think we traveled 12,000 miles just to eat at McDonald's?!" (A kosher McDonald's if you please.)

Actually, wouldn't a great American hamburger with a real bun and pickles and French fries and ketchup or a STEAK be great? You bet it would. And it's all at "Dixie", which looks like a good restaurant in any large American city. The prices are reasonable, at about $10 a person for a hamburger and beverage. Reservations are available.

Details, Details

Dixie
120 Yigal Allon Street, Tel Aviv
(03) 696-6123

Or reverse the scenario. You've eaten hotel food which is sort of American and lots of Continental food and you want to experience something truly exotic. Then try Shaul's Inn, which is oriental and Yemenite food in the old Yemenite Quarter of Tel Aviv. The soups are redolent of texture and aroma very pleasant and succulent, as well as the fish and the lamb. The prices are reasonable at about $20, including the bar or wine and tip. The hospitality is generous. As you are seated, the waiter brings savories and tasty pickles, olive sauces, spreads, and warm Yemenite bread. The kitchen is a pleasure to behold.

Details, Details

Shauls Inn (Kosher)
11 Eliashiv Street (Yemenite Quarter & Carmel Market), Tel Aviv
(03) 517-7619