Our private tour guide Yaakov “50 shades of Yaakov” Shabat didnt see it coming.  He thought it was just another tour group.  Instead of making a right in the colorful Akko shuk and head toward the next attraction and the legendary Uri Buri, I threatened mutiny if we dont make a left first for a pre-dinner snack at a local hummus joint.  Yaakov was about to find out that we were not there just to see what the Crusaders built, but also where the crusaders bought Hummus, and how did they eat it?  With a spoon or pita?  Did they use plastic or silver spoons? And if they used pitas, did they scoop it with circular, straight or snake motion (this is for you Moti).  Anyway, we started our guided tour with perhaps the best hummus we ever had.   Here’s more on that and the rest of what we ate in the north.  Most of these werent random stops btw.  I’ve done my fair share of research before the trip and the results were outstanding.

Acco – Suhila/Abu Suhil.  This was some “sick” hummus.  It made you sick just thinking about all the store bought Sabra hummus waiting for you back home.  We were told by more than one source to skip the legendary lines at Sa’id and head here instead.  Suhila is located just otside the shuk.  when coming in from the main gate its on the right side of the square before the shuk.  Just ask anyone for directions if needed

The hummus, silky smooth, creamy, fresh, served warm with boiled chickpeas.  A really excellent, ‘no frills’ simple hummus!  In a business dominated by men, 2 sisters working hard to maintain their father’s legacy and they know what they are doing.

Akko is a city known for its Hummus.  You have the aforementioned Sai’d located in the middle of the shuk.  You may see long lines and/or tour guides pointing to it like a tourist attraction and those in the know will tell you that you may find more great Hummus in any hole in the wall there

Akko – Uri Buri.  This was one of those meals, at one of the most famous seafood eateries in in the country.  Uri Yirmias the owner is a food celebrity in Israel.  Had a little chat with the legend who was very enthusiastic about his new venture, the recently opened Efendi hotel.  He also owns an ice cream parlor next door, written a cook book, partner in another super popular eatery Helena in Caesarea, and he’s also an emergency call up for ZZ Top.  I think!  My hebrew is somewhere between rusty to non-existant.

Started with an array of starters (we are 7 adults btw).  The standout and perhaps the most interesting item of the meal was the Sashimi salmon with wasabi sorbet, contrasting flavors that went nicely together.  For main the Sea wolf and the Mediterranean shrimp were the standouts and the one memorable dud was surprisingly the St Peter’s fish appetizer.  They allow half portions which I suggest taking advantage of as it allows you to sample more.  The half portions are also big enough and do look like normal size dishes.

   Haifa-Hazan Shawarma.  This is one of the more popular  Shawarma spots in Haifa.  But the word is that its only popular with its fans and there are plenty of haters.  People either love it or hate it.  I presume they mean the veal shawarma which was showcased when we stormed in.  I think I was the only one who loved it in our group however.  Yes, its a bit stronger and chewier texture than your average shawarma but to me it was glorious chunks of nicely seasoned veal in a laffa bread.  I enjoyed it!  I also love the “Amba”, mango tahini-like sauce they serve on the side in many of the shawarma places.  It goes particularly well with Veal

Haifa – Hazkenim Falafel.  This is the best falafel in the country.  How do I know?  It says so right there on its sign, “Best Falafel in the country”.  and while you are chewing on this one, turn around and there it is, Falafel Michel, “Best Falafel in the neighborhood” :shock:.  And there’s not much else going on on this narrow alley except these 2 behemoths right next to each other competing for bragging rights.  The initial plan was to try both but the plan didnt live long.

Hazkenim (means old people) totally blew us away with those flavorful, crispy balls of goodness.  It had that perfect color on the inside too.  Not too yellow and not too green, which means the just the right amount of parsley, cilantro and what ever other herbs the use.  The perfect Falafel!  So filling we couldnt try the other one.

Livnim – Roberg’s.  Master chef Ilan Roberg’s hidden gem in the Galilee, 10 minutes from Tiberias and the sea of Galilee, perched nicely on a hill.   This is kosher food at its best.

As is the case with many of the dining establishments we encountered, this was again all about the Mezzes, a plethora of delicious small plates including tasty Pâtés, eggplant salads and more.  And just when you ready for the main course, 2 pots of different soups are on the table.   This is not much of a seafood place.  The mains here are mostly unique chicken dishes.  The chili and coconut marinated chicken skewers in particular was tender and tasty.  Other inventive dishes like chicken with peanut butter were satisfying.

Ilan is passionate about his food and is passionate about other people’s food.  Besides participating in various cooking excursions like the upcoming gig with the university of Oklahoma, he also enjoys eating excursions around the world.  Sounds like someone I know.  My neighbor 😛

   Dag al Hadan – A trout farm in the upper Galilee serves.. you guessed it… Hummus.  Among other things like the tasty smoked trout dip.   The setting here is the main draw as you are sitting right next to the gushing Dan river.   Oh they also serve some pretty good trout.  No filet, you get the entire trout.   They cook in 3 different ways.  The baked one with pesto was the most memorable.

Tzfat – Lachuch guy.  Lachuch is no ordinary fast food.  A Yemenite spongy flat bread made fresh by an enthusiastic fella wearing traditional yemenite attire.  Add fresh tomatoes, grated cheese, zatar, onions and you got Pizza on crack.  Add the fiery green Z’hug the have on the side and you got a pretty spectacular looking and tasting snack.  What a find in Safed/Tzfat/Madonnaville.  In the map below I believe I got the street correct at very least.  If you are walking up in the market in the old city, its at the near end.   Just look for the guy that looks like in the picture on top.  His name is Ronen I believe.  Special thanks to guide Oreet Segal for the last minute recommendation.

Al Basha in the Mahanaim junction near Rosh pina – an absolutely terrific lunch.  Nice chicken shawarma, falafel, hummus and more.  It’s amazing that you can even have great meals in the middle of nowhere here.  Middle of nowhere in Israel by the way is 2 miles from the nearest city.

Ussafia – Druze village hospitality lunch.  Perhaps the most memorable lunch of the trip.  You sit in a large room and after an explanation about the Druze believes and way of life you get the trays.  Giant trays of fresh pita with zatar, hummus, kabobs, fresh salads and more.  Yumminess all around

Who said you can only eat well in Tel Aviv?  ok, I said it, but still!  Plenty of gems in the North.  Post your favorites below and stay hungry my friends!