With the winter season we are showered with more than just some rain here and there - thankfully, the cold-weather months also bring a whole new crop of raw materials to work with, inspiring local chefs to create fresh, dynamic menus honoring the abundance of the season. Here are three we can't wait to try.
Brasserie's Winter Fest
Starting December 26, the classic Tel Avivian landmark, Brasserie, has decided to add to their already-beloved menu (a rarity for the tried-and-true fixture on Ibn Gvirol) with a launch of a new winter menu including special dishes celebrating new scents and flavors. Go for the dish of seasonal winter vegetables, topped with cheese and Brazil nuts in a persimmon vinaigrette; the cannelloni filled with ricotta, parmesan artichokes and anchovies; the ceviche with wild fennel and Jerusalem artichoke; the crystal shrimp with avocado, chili, coriander and bacon; and a neck of lamb sidled by organic carrots.
70 Ibn Gvirol St, Tel Aviv (03-6967111)
© Idit Ben Uliel
© Idit Ben Uliel
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Onza's new Turkish menu
A unique, seasonal menu at Onza brings regional Mediterranean flavors to to the forefront. Specially for winter, they will be featuring a varied selection of stuffed dishes from all over Turkey, based on authentic Turkish recipes. The stuffed 'dolma' is the cornerstone of Turkish cuisine, in addition to filling everything from green peppers, eggplant and tomatoes to zucchini, vine leaves, and fish. Dig into the delicious options topped with flavorful sauces. Among the dishes, diners will find mussels stuffed with rice and cranberries; fish balls wrapped in vine leaves; calamari stuffed with red wine sauce; a vegan dish of tomatoes stuffed with rice, herbs and cranberries; eggplant stuffed with lamb, herbs, raisins, blueberries and almonds.
3 Rabbi Chanina, Jaffa (03-6486060)
© Amir Menahem
© Amir Menahem
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Asia's new 'Pacific Time' menu
A cheeky take on the tradition of Happy Hour, the restaurant Asia launches a new early dinner menu, siting 'Pacific Time' as the inspiration. The flavorful restaurant in Jaffa's Flea Market offers a set meal with cocktails in the early evening from 19:00 to 20:30, Sunday through Thursday. The menu is divided into traditional, Asian-style dishes, including a pot of tea to start, a soup for two, a starter, first course, main course and optional additions. Alongside the food, chasers of Nigori Sake and cocktails are available for NIS 22.
3 Nachman St, Jaffa Flea Market (050-5427775)
© Ohad Kab