After months of waiting, nail biting, and stewing in a pool of Urban anxiety, Herzl 16, the promising successor of R2M's Rothschild 12, has finally opened its doors. What happened to the Emmental toast? And the Croque-Madame? Come and see for yourself...
But why the switch?
A few days after the doors of Rothschild 12 closed for the very last time, 2018's most talked about culinary complex, Herzl 16, welcomed the Tel Avivian crowd with open arms. Rothschild 12 knew that their time was limited when they opened in their original location, so they weren't surprised when the building was faced with demolition and renovation demands. The R2M group set out in pursuit of a space to replicate the successful place - and if possible keep it "as Is." Their goal was to encourage a kind of natural evolution, if you will: a teenager finally accepting adulthood. Herzl 16 (the historical 'Maaliya' building, where the first-ever elevator was built in Tel Aviv) looked like a suitable place.
© Idit Ben Uliel
But what will we eat there?
In terms of the vibe, Herzl 16 will preserve the old spirit of Rothschild 12 - both in terms of sound, music, performances, and design. The food will be similar, but with a Japanese twist. Dishes will fly out of the complex's central kitchen, which is located in the connecting "Disco Tokyo" restaurant, led by chef Ido Lev. The large and open kitchen is well-stocked with all of the necessary gizmos and gadget: a Yakitori grill, Gyoza pans, a special Japanese tempura fryer, wok, noodle vaporizer, plus soya sauce, sake, and rice vinegar, cooking dishes for rice, and beautiful Japanese serving dishes - handmade by Hanna Pollak, and Guy Pollak – the head chef of the R2M group's mom.
"This equipment dictates the nature of the kitchen, which will prepare the dishes for both places – the difference between them will come during the finishing process," Guy Pollak explains.
He continues, "At Herzl 16, there will be an evening menu with bar snacks, and lighter, simpler dishes." However, the morning menu at Herzl 16 will remain identical to Rothschild 12's menu. In the afternoon, business lunches will be served with a Japanese flair.
© Idit Ben Uliel
So what's on the menu?
Herzl's morning menu includes cakes and pastries (NIS 10-18), Rothschild's morning vegetable salad (NIS 24), chili-avocado toast (NIS 19), toast with peanut butter, bananas, and honey, just the way Elvis liked it (NIS 19), and more. The good news is that the beloved Emmental toast and the Croque-Madame will also be served (NIS 19). If you were born with a sweet tooth, you can indulge in yogurt with lime, fresh fruit and granola (NIS 29), Quaker oatmeal, bananas, and roasted almonds (NIS 29), and a freshly baked buttery croissant with Crème Anglaise and fresh strawberries (NIS 32) that claims to be the place's next big hit. In the drinks department, they're renewing their usual go-tos with hot trends like a Matcha latte (NIS 16) and cold brew (coffee, of course) (NIS 16).
© Idit Ben Uliel
16 Herlz St, Tel Aviv. 03-5544300