Ringing in Rosh Hashana

Published: SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 09:35

The Sarona Complex (photo credit: SARONA MANAGEMENT COMPANY) — The Sarona Complex

(photo credit: SARONA MANAGEMENT COMPANY)

In honor of the Jewish New Year, The Jerusalem Post has chosen five of the trendiest new places in Tel Aviv.

The Hebrew year 5774 saw development, construction and plenty of new things to do as Tel Aviv’s cultural hub continued to bloom. The fast-paced, hi-tech city was no stranger to change. In honor of the Jewish New Year, The Jerusalem Post has chosen five of the trendiest new places in Tel Aviv.

Street library

Tel Aviv’s famous Rothschild Boulevard has added to its already appealing draw with the recent addition of a street library.

An initiative of the Tel Aviv Municipality, a book stand is located in the middle of the boulevard near Habimah Square. Visitors are welcome to borrow a book, sit on the boulevard and read in chairs, and then return the books at their leisure. Previously, the city had stationed book carts at the beach, with the stand in the middle of the city being the first of its kind.

E-books for Kindles and iPads are also available, as well as for children’s books and English-language books.

The book stand reminds residents of the importance of the fact that, despite living in the big city, they should take time to relax, take a break from their electronics (unless, of course, one is using an electronic-book reader) and read a book. The pleasant climate of Tel Aviv makes this outdoor library a popular attraction.

Every Wednesday at 5 p.m. throughout October, the stand will have public story readings for children of all ages.

The library is open daily between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Uber app

Updated methods of transportation were not forgotten during the year, as the city advanced in many arenas. Especially noteworthy is the launch of the Uber app, which is used by millions throughout the US as the latest option for ride-sharing and transportation hire. The app is designed so that if someone wants to order a cab to their home, they use their smartphone and within minutes a driver is at their door to drive them to their destination.

Although similar to the GetTaxi app, which orders a taxi to the person’s home immediately, Uber is set to compete for the top taxi app. The company plans to expand its unique feature to enable anyone with a car to apply to become an Uber driver.

Although Tel Avivians don’t lack methods of transportation, between buses, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, electric bicycles and scooters, an additional method is always welcome in a fast-paced modern city.

The Sarona Complex

The White City welcomed a new complex in 2014, across from the Israel Defense Forces headquarters, known as the Kirya. The centrally located space is comprised of upscale apartment buildings, hotels, shops, restaurants and urban green spaces open to the public.

The area, designed for commercial and real-estate use, is built around a central park and focuses on seven vehicle-free hectares open for pedestrians to stroll.

The area historically was the location of Templer homes, which have now been renovated and are being used as shops.

There are currently around 80 stores in the complex, and 37 Templer homes house a number of them.

The Templers came from southern Germany and established the settlement in 1871, eventually fleeing and abandoning many of the structures. The plan to revive the settlement was finally approved in 2006, and the city has since been developing the complex.

With 150,000 visitors expected to pass through daily, the Sarona is already on its way to becoming Tel Aviv’s next hot spot. The atmosphere makes it a great family destination, as well as accommodating for all of Tel Aviv’s citizens.

Asian cuisine

Tel Aviv’s already impressive array of different types of cuisine has expanded in the past year, with a handful of new restaurants launched into the scene. Especially noteworthy, however, is the lineup of new Asian restaurants in the city. In addition to Japanese and Vietnamese, the White City now offers all types of cuisine from around the world. Although the city famously does not lack variety in restaurant choices, the addition of places that offer special, authentic and fresh dishes is always welcomed by the local foodies. Here are four new places that offer delicious, affordable and unique Asian dishes: Mina Tomei, 17 Ha’arba’a Street: The menu is designed with dishes from Thailand, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and India.

Chop Chop, 20 Ibn Gvirol Street:

A fast-paced noodle place, Chop Chop offers easy, healthy, fresh dishes to eat there or take away.

Oban Koban, 16 Ha’arba’a Street:

A “Japanese Street Kitchen,” the restaurant offers an upscale environment with authentic dishes such as sushi and ramen.

Nam Thai Cook House, 275 Dizengoff Street:

In the north of the city, the outdoor seating at Nam sets the tone for the delicious noodle and curry dishes that are cooked fresh with ingredients from around the world.