I'm no foodie but I had one of the best experiences today that I've had in years. I joined Tal's Loca Local tour for a wonderful few hours of learning, conversation, cookery and conversation - and I left feeling sated and inspired.
Tal takes you firstly on a tour of Tel Aviv’s ‘Kerem’ aka the Yemenite Quarter. She knows so much about the area, and people in the neighbourhood greet her as she walks by, so you realise she’s the real deal. We visited a juice bar, Shlomo & Doron’s hummus joint and a local family bakery, before wandering in the Carmel fruit and veg market to pick up a few more provisions for our cooking adventure.
Back at Tal’s home (comfortable, stylish, inviting), we were all given aprons and set about preparing a typical Mediterranean lunch - home-made tahini, two kinds of aubergine, roasted peppers, taboullah salad and - la piece de resistance - crispy falafel balls.
I’ve never actually made much of this before, myself, but not only was it fun but she made me see how easy it was!. What could be better then, afterwards, than to sit down with my fellow tour participants and tuck in. We drank wine, ate our own food and then were offered mint tea, tahini cookies and the traditional Middle Eastern dessert malabi (with a choice of toppings!)
This is really a ‘food market to table’ experience with a warm, knowledgable local and I could not recommend it more highly. Book this tour - you will not regret it!
