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As a recent Jewish immigrant to Israel and wine consultant, I tend to focus my own sojourns on sites that have more to do with the history of the Jewish people and the local wine industry. Yet, Christian shrines do intrigue me and they have a significant place within the history of Israel and are an important part of the landscape in this land. Consequently, when I recently had the opportunity to tour some of the Christian holy sites and wineries for Travelujah, I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about Chrisitan holy sites in Israel.
Domaine du Castel Vineyards; photo courtesy Travelujah
Within a fifteen minute drive southwest of Israel's ancient & modern capitol, Jerusalem, we stopped first at the Church of John the Baptist in the lovely village of Ein Karem. This ancient site is thought to be where Jesus's most influential disciple was born and raised in the house of his parents Zachariah and Elizabeth. Initially a Byzantine church was built on the site in the fourth century as a tribute to St Elizabeth before being destroyed in the seventh century by conquering Muslim hordes from the Arabian peninsula.
Nazareth will always be the Galilean city famously known as the residence of the world's most celebrated figure, Jesus Christ, but over the last five years the city has developed an eviable reputation as a culinary hotspot.
Local residents have been instrumental in redeveloping this Galilean capital, home to Christians and Moslems and Israel's Ministry of Tourism has also allocated some funding in this hilltop city.
The result - a wonderful culinary scene for all appetites. The city boasts wonderful spice shops, sweet stores, cafes and a medley of restaurants offering interesting Arabic fusion foods along with other delicacies.
A recent Travelujah article entitled "Nazareth is Worth a Day or Two for All Tourists" - focused on many of the interesting on and off the beaten path sites in Nazareth and the surrounding area. Now, the New York Times, has offered up a culinary expedition for those interested in the city's burgeoning food scene.
Tishreen Restaurant; Photo Courtesy - Travelujah
Where to go for a special Christmas dinner in Jerusalem?
Two historic properties, the American Colony Hotel and Notre Dame Center are hosting elaborate Christmas meals.
The American Colony Hotel if offering both Christmas dinner for $95 per peron plus VAT and and Christmas Day lunch buffet for $75 per person plus VAT. Reservations are required. Please let them know that you were referred by Travelujah!!
American Colony Hotel Christmas Eve Dinner
Stuffed salmon mousse with crab meat
La Rotisserie, the understated 80-seat upscale restaurant at Notre Dame has finally reopened its doors after a four-year hiatus and a substantial renovation project that added a new bar, among other things. Historically this restaurant was considered one of the finest restaurants in the city, if not the country. The restaurant has been significantly renovated with wide new windows, extensive lighting, muted furniture, a new European chef, Rodrigo Ganzalez-Elias, was brought in from Spain to oversee the fine dining experience which includes fabulous foix gras, smoked salmon, fish, meats and other European specialties. A prominent yet inviting bar promises to be the new after work destination for NGO's, journalists, tourists and consuls and business people. While visiting the restaurant diners included the Nuncio and the Latin Patriarchate as well as others from the local Catholic community. At a recent reception there, we mingled with H.E. Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, Director of the Ecumenical & Foreigh Relations of the Armenian Patriarchate, representatives of the Custody, the Slovanian Consul, the Chilean Counsul, as well as a number of local Palestinian Christians including Habib Khoury, Mazan Qupty, Issa Hebesch, the General Manager of the American Colony Hotel, and local Israelis. Average check for food is 200 shekel per person.
La Rotisserie is located at Notre Dame, the 145-room guesthouse situated directly across the street from the New Gate.
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