I am so excited to kick off my Israel series by introducing you to Pergamon in downtown Jerusalem.
I had arrived in Israel on a Friday afternoon. My cousin and her fiancé picked me up at the airport in Tel Aviv and we drove straight to Jerusalem for Shabbat with with aunt, uncle and cousins. After a very restful 24 hours, when the sun set on Saturday night, we headed into the heart of the city for dinner.
Pergamon was recommended to us by a cousin who works in Israel as a tour guide, specializing in food and wine. The restaurant is know for two things: (1) its incredible vegetarian food and (2) its gin and tonics. I mean, sign me up!
The restaurant is on Heleni HaMalka Street (Queen Heleni Street), near a few of my other Jerusalem favorites: Cafe Bezalel, Kadosh and Ben Sira Hummus Bar. The night we went it was pouring rain. You can see in the photo how slick the sidewalk was.
As we walked through the front door, it felt like we'd been transported to Brooklyn, New York.
As I mentioned, Pergamon is known for their cocktail program, specifically their gin and tonics. They offer nine versions of the signature drink, each with a different kind of gin.
My cousin and I both decided, "When in Rome!" and I ordered the gin and tonic #1, she ordered the #4. Mine was Gordon's gin infused with cucumber, basil, mint, lemon and green chili and hers was Drumshanbo Gunpower gin with chamomile, all spice and lime.
When our waitress started to walk towards our table with the drinks, I turned to my cousin and asked (with glee), "They come in goblets?!"
We felt like queens drinking from our chalices! I found mine to be very refreshing, while she found hers a bit bitter tasting.
My aunt decided on one of the house cocktails called Miss Kitten. It was Gordon's gin with cucumber, basil, mint, green chili, lemon, sake, green tea syrup and soda.
After a few sips, she commented, "It's definitely a tropical drink, but the green chili helps to cut through the sweetness."
When it came time to order the food, we decided to share five of small plates. The first to arrive was the polenta fries, topped with parmesan cheese and served with a side of tartar sauce.
I was absolutely addicted to these! They had a crispy exterior, while keeping the center soft and warm. The cheese and tartar sauce made every bite feel decadent.
Next came the fried cauliflower over labne cheese and matbucha. Matbucha is roasted tomatoes and red peppers with garlic and chili pepper.
I eat a lot of cauliflower and this was one of my favorite preparations. The tartness from the labne paired with the juicy, roasted tomatoes was heavenly.
The steamed vegetables with ginger vinaigrette turned out to be broccoli, zucchini and green beans, with very little ginger flavor. This dish was the only bland one we had all night.
The green herbs salad with persimmon, cheese and hazelnuts was a major standout. From the menu description alone I wasn't expecting much, but the very first bite blew me away. Each forkful was so flavorful.
Our last dish was the Parisian gnocchi with za'atar butter, charred eggplant, feta cheese and tomato seeds. You had me at za'atar butter.
The gnocchi was clearly hand cut. The smoky flavor from the eggplant was fantastic. This dish warms you from the inside out.
Throughout the meal, our waitress would check on us, but she never rushed us. She allowed us to sit, chat and nosh for as long as we wanted, which I really appreciated.
When I was looking up Pergamon's website in preparation to write this post, I discovered a tweet from celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi in which he shares that his niece is dating the head chef at Pergamon. How cool!
If you are planning a trip to Israel, a meal at Pergamon is an absolute must. This is vegetarian food that even meat eaters will love!
Comments
ayan shah
Mon, 12/07/2020 - 07:39
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. Dryer Sound
saba 033
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 07:24
Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up. Escorts Reviews
kousar seo
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 09:29
It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post. custom patches
ayan khatri
Wed, 12/09/2020 - 13:25
Thank you for your very good information and respond to you. san jose car dealers explanation
ayan khatri
Wed, 12/09/2020 - 13:32
Thank you for your very good information and respond to you. san jose car dealers explanation
kousar seo
Thu, 12/10/2020 - 06:51
Superior post, keep up with this exceptional work. It's nice to know that this topic is being also covered on this web site so cheers for taking the time to discuss this! Thanks again and again! detective privado madrid
saba 033
Mon, 12/14/2020 - 06:35
Thanks for your information, it was really very helpful: 먹튀
saba 033
Wed, 12/16/2020 - 06:11
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i am glad to show that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I such a lot unquestionably will make sure to do not disregard this website and give it a look regularly. 원샷홀덤
saba 033
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 03:12
Impressive web site, Distinguished feedback that I can tackle. Im moving forward and may apply to my current job as a pet sitter, which is very enjoyable, but I need to additional expand. Regards. Pinoy TV
ayan khatri
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 07:38
Nowhere on the Internet is there this much quality and clear information on this subject. How do I know? I know because I’ve searched this topic at length. Thank you. explanation
Robin Jack
Thu, 12/17/2020 - 17:18
I have prepared this updated practice exam with answers! 50 questions with answers. It will help you succeed in this certification exam spring certification
saba 033
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 01:13
I’ll create a hyperlink to the web page about my personal weblog. buy youtube views and subscribers
kousar seo
Sun, 12/20/2020 - 12:45
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. Climb and swim with the whale
saba 033
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 11:45
I think this is an edifying post and it is incredibly useful and instructed. in like manner, I should need to thank you for the undertakings you have made in making this article. 토토사이트
jack man10
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 06:54
View the following tips less than and find to know how to observe this situation whilst you project your home business today. Earn money from home medford oregon property management
kousar seo
Tue, 12/22/2020 - 12:57
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. visit here
saba 033
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 10:26
It should be noted that whilst ordering papers for sale at paper writing service, you can get unkind attitude. In case you feel that the bureau is trying to cheat you, don't buy term paper from it. 강남홀덤
kousar seo
Wed, 12/23/2020 - 14:24
This article was written by a real thinking writer without a doubt. I agree many of the with the solid points made by the writer. I’ll be back day in and day for further new updates. watch here
kousar seo
Thu, 12/24/2020 - 11:54
Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. watch here
saba 033
Sat, 12/26/2020 - 01:30
This kind of is a wonderful submit My partner and i noticed as a result of discuss that. It is just what I desired to find out desire inside upcoming you may keep on regarding revealing this kind of outstanding submit. 먹튀검증사이트
ayan shah
Sat, 12/26/2020 - 09:02
Hello, this weekend is good for me, since this time i am reading this enormous informative article here at my home. brown leather jacket mens outfit
kousar seo
Sat, 12/26/2020 - 12:20
Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. embroidery digitizing
saba 033
Mon, 12/28/2020 - 06:18
I just astounded aided by the test most people made to choose this specified share wonderful. Marvelous recreation! 마진거래
jack man10
Mon, 12/28/2020 - 11:35
The particular New york Diet can be an highly affordable and versatile eating better tool built for time expecting to loose fat along with naturally keep a healthful daily life. la weight loss Buy Research Chemicals
ayan shah
Tue, 12/29/2020 - 11:42
Succeed! It could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on the subject. Excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort very well. Thanks for the huge help. watch here
kousar seo
Mon, 01/04/2021 - 11:50
Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. adult online games
ayan shah
Mon, 01/04/2021 - 12:26
The article looks magnificent, but it would be beneficial if you can share more about the suchlike subjects in the future. Keep posting. see it
danish khan
Tue, 01/05/2021 - 02:55
The particular New york Diet can be an highly affordable and versatile eating better tool built for time expecting to loose fat along with naturally keep a healthful daily life. la weight loss 퍼스트카지노
Mr Andy
Tue, 01/05/2021 - 08:29
The particular New york Diet can be an highly affordable and versatile eating better tool built for time expecting to loose fat along with naturally keep a healthful daily life. la weight loss Auto verkaufen
smith seo
Thu, 01/07/2021 - 15:03
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! Ross Levinsohn Maven
saba 033
Sat, 01/09/2021 - 10:16
I want reading through and I conceive this website got some really utilitarian stuff on it! . 먹튀검증
Hk Service
Mon, 01/11/2021 - 00:49
saving your marriage should always be a priority whenever things turn sour on a marriage.. Hostwinds Coupon Code
smith seo
Mon, 01/11/2021 - 04:42
Oh my goodness! a wonderful post dude. Thanks a ton Nonetheless My business is experiencing issue with ur rss . Do not know why Struggling to sign up for it. Will there be anyone acquiring identical rss difficulty? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx Ross Levinsohn
smith seo
Mon, 01/11/2021 - 04:42
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on when a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Is there that is you possibly can get rid of me from that service? Thanks! Ross Levinsohn profile
smith seo
Mon, 01/11/2021 - 04:42
glass dining tables will always be the best design and option that i would choose for our dining room” Ross Levinsohn Profile
smith seo
Mon, 01/11/2021 - 04:42
R&B music is my favorite stuff, pop music is great too but R&B is the best’ Ross Levinsohn Maven
saba 033
Mon, 01/11/2021 - 13:23
You actually make it appear really easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I believe I might never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m taking a look forward for your next post, I will try to get the cling of it! Smart watch
ayan khatri
Wed, 01/13/2021 - 07:49
Nowhere on the Internet is there this much quality and clear information on this subject. How do I know? I know because I’ve searched this topic at length. Thank you. check this out
Edward Fox
Sat, 01/16/2021 - 03:12
You completed several nice points there. I did a search on the subject and found a good number of persons will consent with your blog. pinkberry
tk service
Sun, 01/17/2021 - 08:35
The particular New york Diet can be an highly affordable and versatile eating better tool built for time expecting to loose fat along with naturally keep a healthful daily life. la weight loss gregorian hijri date converter
Edward Fox
Mon, 01/18/2021 - 01:58
saving your marriage should always be a priority whenever things turn sour on a marriage.. superslot เครดิตฟรี50
ayan shah
Tue, 01/19/2021 - 11:45
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck. custom leather jackets
ayan shah
Thu, 01/21/2021 - 07:46
I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it.. mcdvoice.com survey official site
Uzair Sk
Sun, 01/24/2021 - 06:54
Thank you for yet another great informative article, I’m a loyal visitor to this blog and I can’t stress enough how much valuable tips I’ve learned from reading your content. I really appreciate all the hard work you put into this great site. Apk for kiss918 and 918kiss
muzzamil ali
Mon, 01/25/2021 - 06:57
Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers California Fake driver's license
saba 033
Wed, 01/27/2021 - 01:42
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job! I need someone to do my computer science homework for me
Mr Andy
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 00:47
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read? Forex Trading Strategy
Mr Andy
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 00:47
I do agree with all of the ideas you have introduced for your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for newbies. May you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post. free forex signals
kousar seo
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 11:28
I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorites blog site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my site as well and let me know what you think. cct-boating
jack man10
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 11:55
I’m happy I found this weblog, I couldnt uncover any data on this topic matter prior to. I also run a site and if you want to ever serious in a little bit of guest writing for me if feasible really feel free to let me know, i’m always look for people to examine out my site. Please stop by and leave a comment sometime! Ross Levinsohn named Maven CEO