"Italian Salad" at Jerusalem's Iconic "Cafe Rimon"

I asked that they "hold the croutons," which made the salad better as far as I'm concerned. 

This week a friend and I met at what may be the oldest, open since 1953, Jerusalem restaurant still going strong, Cafe Rimon.  Over the years, the Rimon has gone from dairy to meat and now has two, one of each, side by side, just off of Zion Square, Jerusalem.

It was recently (at least since my last visit a couple of years ago) redecorated and now has a handicapped WC (toilet) on the main floor. Rimon looks incredibly modern now. It's open every day except Shabbat, closing an hour before and opening an hour after. You can get a 10% discount from Eluna.

I was in the mood for a salad and also didn't want to pay too much. I took the "Italian Salad" from the long list of NS49 lunch specials and requested that it be without croutons. There was lots of pesto, which I love, and it was very filling. I didn't even touch the tempting rolls which accompanied it.

My friend and I sat in a quiet corner inside, outstaying the other lunch customers. We weren't nudged to leave by the staff. By the time we left, "lunch hour" was long over. For those who like the ambiance of outdoor cafe eating, there are lots of tables where you can watch the foot traffic in downtown Jerusalem.

It's obvious the the owners are trying hard to have "Cafe Rimon" live forever.

4 Luntz St, Jerusalem Tel: 1-599-50-10-30; 02-625-2772; 02-624-3746 Kashrut: Mehadrin Badatz Yerushalayim

Open Sunday - Thursday: 24 hours. Friday: until one hour before Shabbat. Motzai Shabbat: from one hour after Shabbat. Closed Shabbat.

Great Meal at Mansfeld, Israel Museum

Last week, after seeing some of the exhibits in the Israel Museum, I was desperate to eat, Since it was already pretty late, my dining partner and I decided to see what there was in Mansfeld, the dairy cafe in the Israel Museum.

I've eaten there many times, and I always enjoy it. One special advantage is that service is very fast. Within minutes our meals were brought to us. My dining partner ordered their "noodle salad," and I had the quiche, which came with a salad.

These were perfect meals for the end of a busy day. There was also a wholewheat roll with butter for us. Prices were very reasonable, much less than a similar meal would cost in the center of the city, and parking is free.

You don't have to "enter" the museum to eat in the restaurant. Just go through security and you can access Mansfeld.