The Shuk

This morning when Armi, our babysitter, arrived I decided to venture out to the Mehane Yehuda Market or otherwise known as the shuk. I think that I could walk there from our place but today, because I didn't know exactly where it was, I took a taxi for about $7. I wasn't going for anything in particular and I just wanted the experience of shopping with the locals. It's Friday so it was busy with people stocking up for Shabbat.

The shuk is stuffed. Vendors fill any available space with something to sell. I think I could find almost anything there. The market's more than 250 vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, fish, meat, cheeses, nuts, spices, wines, clothing, and almost anything you could need for your house. In and around the market are falafel and shawarma stands, juice bars, cafes and meat restaurants. I found a stand that sold something that looked like tall circles of cheese. The guy gave me a taste and it was very sweet and had a hint of chocolate. There were many different varieties - some with pistachios, cinnamon, chocolate, and so many that I couldn't figure out what flavor they were. I came home and found it on Wikipedia and it is called Halva. No wonder it was so good - the main ingredients are butter and sugar. There were also tons of vendors selling dried fruit. Some fruit I could identify but others I couldn't. I asked for a mixed bag to bring home and Julia and I have been trying them this afternoon. I even gave Thomas a piece of dried mango and he loved sucking on it. I tried to give him "Country Vegetable Chicken Soup" afterwards for lunch and he was not excited about it. I don't blame him - dried mango sounds much better.

I've been told by a friend that his favorite restaurant from New York to London to Jerusalem is somewhere in the Shuk. It isn't fancy he says but it serves an awesome 6 course meal for 210 NIS (about $60). I definitely didn't find any restaurant that serves a 6 course meal today but maybe we'll try it out later next month.

To those of you on the East coast - I hope you all stay dry as hurricane Irene comes tumbling through!