The problem with Tel Aviv being so great and having so many places to explore is that it sometimes becomes quite overwhelming. Just when I think I am getting to know the city, I hear about a whole host of places that I have never been to that seem to be institutions among locals who have been living here for a while. 

 

For example, Nanuchka is a place that I had actually heard of ever since I moved to Tel Aviv but had never had the chance to go. I always wanted to check it out, but for some reason I never got round to to it and always felt as if I was missing out. Well I finally went last Wednesday with my very good friend Daneille who just made aliya, and I wasn't disappointed. The main concept is the Georgian theme, which is provided by the eccentric owner Nana. The place is actually massive and has lots of different nooks and crannies which are divided into a bar and restaurant area. Although we went more as a night out, the food we tasted was excellent. Really good quality and I was actually expecting it to be very expensive because of the kind of place it is, but it was actually very reasonable for what we got. The staff were all very trendy and know how to have fun. They provide shots to nearly everyone that sits and down at the bar and this makes for an entertaining evening all round.

 

On that note, I feel I must discuss a trend in Tel Aviv that I have noticed more and more recently. I will get back to Nanuchka and other places I have been soon, however I must talk about the fact that nearly every place I have been to recently where I have sat at the bar, whether it be an actual bar or a restaurant, the bartender/waiter has served us (and himself) an alcoholic shot. Just to clarify, I think this is a good thing. I come from a place with a strong drinking culture (the UK) and this kind of thing just doesn't happen there. I think the fact that Israelis are not so used to drinking that much means that it comes from a more innocent place rather than the intent to get blind drunk.

 

Firstly, no one is going to get wasted on just one shot. Secondly, I think it comes from a place of fun and wanting to welcome people. I know that every time I have been given a free shot it has always put a smile on my face and just made me feel more relaxed (and I am not just talking about the effects of the alcohol.) The fact that the barman nearly always joins in too adds to the experience, and also makes me think that they all must be blind drunk by the end of the evening if they do this with everyone that sits at the bar.

 

I digress. So Nanuchka was great and I fully recommend a visit. From what I have gathered by speaking to people, it has lost a bit of its original charm but it is still a bit more unique than the average Tel Aviv bar. 

 

Now for a bit of culture. I have really been enjoying going to the theatre recently, something that I try to do at least once a month. Last Friday night I went to see Cabaret at the Cameri. I was very impressed by the production. I have seen a lot of plays in the West End and I would go as far as to say that the sets and the overall production here in Tel Aviv was just as good. The whole experience was very professional, something that can not be taken for granted when going to the theatre here in Israel. For those that know the story of Cabaret, you will know that it is quite a dark play that deals with hard issues surrounding abortion, deception, sexual confusion and most strikingly the Holocaust. While the first half had a lot of livelier musical numbers with a lot of dancing and sexual energy, the second half took a much more serious turn. Seeing the Nazi symbols on stage in Israel was quite shocking and after a few of the numbers that show this imagery and are "supportive" of the regime, I didn't know whether to clap or not but I did because it was all done in a very professional way.

 

I won't spoil it, but the image of the very last scene has stuck with me ever since and again it was one of those moments when I didn't know whether to throw something at the stage or applaud the clever production skills. If you like musicals and you are not easily shocked then I would fully recommend going to see it. Although the prices are quite steep compared to Israeli norms, it's a bargain compared to international standards. 

 

I would love to talk about all the great restaurants that I have been to in the past week but I have actually been cooking at home a lot recently so I haven't had chance to check out any new places. Although I love going out to eat, on a rainy winter's evening in Tel Aviv there is sometimes nothing better than going home and curling up in front of the TV with some freshly cooked home-made food. 

 

Enjoy the rain. I know I am not!