Wine is not everything – Bacchus

November 2011 Update: The place closed its doors

Veal Carpaccio

When we sat down to write this post, we wondered what “Bacchus” is. Turns out it’s the ancient Greek god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine. The name implies on the main business of a new Tel Aviv bar named “Bacchus”. The bar specializes in wine and has some tapas curses a side. We have already talked a lot about our thoughts about the Israeli tapas places, and this was not different – it wasn’t tapas.

We were three and we were looking for a good drink with side dishes. The first to be placed on our table were peanuts in their nutshell. That was a nice gesture. From a large selection of wins we ordered a German Gewurztraminer which was good choice as an easy going wine.

The “Japanese legend” course was not such a legend – there were very small slices of Tuna fish with a side salad. The tuna was very bland and the salad had too much sauce in it. For the defense of waitress, we must say she did suggest replacing the course, but we decided to skip the suggestion. The veal Carpaccio was swimming in olive oil and it was too much even for olive oil lovers like us. Then we were served two butcher courses – one was cheese and the other was cold cuts – which were served with buns. These were much better now, especially the cheese – 5 different types of cheeses, white and yellow, which were served on a wooden trunk. The final course was three different brochettes served on baguette – which was fine but a little dry.

At the end of the day (night) we came to the conclusion that Bacchus has a fine selection of wine, but if they want to succeed and to continue serving this wine they must improve their food.

Enjoy,

Shahar & Inbar

The Cizer-Kobrinsky Scale:

2 Forks

The check please (3 people)

“Japanese legend” (Agada Yapanit) – 25 NIS
Veal Carpaccio – 30 NIS
Cheese butcher – 41 NIS
Cold cuts butcher – 41NIS
Brochettes – 29 NIS
German Gewurztraminer – 131 NIS

All in all: 287 NIS

Summary:

Food: Wine & sides
Price: Medium
Location: Arlozerov-Dizngoff

Contact details: Bacchus

Address:  23 Arlozerov Street (corner with Dizingoff), Tel Aviv | Phone: 035223452
Opening Hours:  Sunday-Tuesday 17:00-01:00, Friday 11:00-01:00

http://www.facebook.com/pages/mwsyqh/372925787814?sk=wall#!/pages/tl-byb/bkhws/166092466744635

In the name of the Aunt – Hilinka

Hilinka (from Facebook page)

Hilinka define itself as a neighborhood bistro-café in the old Tal Aviv ambiance. While writing this post I have noticed that most of the places we write about have the word “neighborhood” in their description. I wonder if it used in order to make your place more inviting. The truth is that there is a lot of demand for cafes in Tel Aviv, so every café place in a neighborhood can define itself as neighborhood place.

The name Hilinka is based on someone’s aunt who was very special and spoiling for this someone. It is also decorated with inspiration from old Tel Aviv/Poland, with crystal & porcelain housewares.

The place specializes in breakfasts, but you will find there launch as well. The food is not unique but it will be good enough to open a free day like Friday (or any other day you’re visiting Tel Aviv). Try the brioche or the Shakshukas they have there for breakfasts.

The check please (2 people)

Scandinavian brioche – 39NIS
Omelet Sandwich – 32NIS
Fresh orange juice – 16NIS
Soda Water – 9NIS
2X Cappuccino – 22NIS
All in all: 118NIS

Summary:
Food: café place.
Price: Medium.
Location: Arlozerov

The Cizer-Kobrinsky Scale

3 Forks

Contact details: Hilinka

Address: Arlozerov 76, corner with Shlomo Hamelach, Tel Aviv.
Opening: Sunday to Thursday 07:30-00:00; Friday 07:00-18:00; Saturday 09:00-00:00  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tel-Aviv-Yafo-Israel/hylynqh-qph-bystrw/115073728520161