Nuts for Bagels in Haifa!

I love to eat. Israel is a great place for avid diners!

Israeli cuisine comprises local dishes by people native to Israel and dishes brought to Israel by Jews from the Diaspora or other nations. Since before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, and particularly since the late 1970s, an Israeli Jewish fusion cuisine has developed.

The Israeli diet has adopted, and continues to adapt, elements of various styles of Jewish cuisine, particularly the Mizrahi, Sephardic, and Ashkenazi styles of cooking, It incorporates many foods traditionally eaten in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, and foods such as falafel, hummus, shakshouka, couscous, and za'atar are now thought to be synonymous with Israeli cuisine.

Other influences on cuisine are the availability of foods common to the Mediterranean region, especially certain kinds of fruits and vegetables, dairy products and fish; the distinctive traditional dishes prepared at holiday times; the tradition of keeping kosher; and food customs specific to Shabbat and different Jewish holidays, such as challah,, gefilte fish, cholent  and sufganiyot or donuts,

Food is the universal language. Bagel is a household name and one of my favorite treats. Many Americans find that bagel and cream cheese is almost as common as mom and apple pie. Israelis love American cooking. Pizza Hut, McDonald's,  Burger King and Domino's are an integral part of Israeli society. Israelis also enjoy humus and falafel and shwarma which is roasted lamb.The Israeli diet is rich in vegetables, fruit, salads, and dairy products."  Hummus and falafel are chickpea products. Hummus is a paste like form of chickpea usually eaten with pita bread. Falafel is chickpea formed into small balls, fried, and eaten in pita bread as a sandwich. Both hummus and falafel are eaten with or without vegetables and with several possible sauces. Israeli salad is a combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, served with Israeli salad dressing, a combination of salt, lemon and olive oil. The staples of the Israeli diet are hummus, falafel, and Israeli salad. Israeli salad (Hebrew: סָלָט יְרָקוֹת יִשְׂרְאֵלִי‎, salat yerakot yisraeli, "Israeli vegetable salad") is often referred to as the national food of the country.  Israelis enjoy a barbecue at least once a month. Lamb kebab, chicken breasts, beef flanks, and shwarma are the favorite meat choices. Yes, Israelis like a cold beer, a glass of wine and even Jack Daniels. Israel produces its own beer and wine products and many imported products are available in stores and cafes.

My favorite dining choice in Haifa is still a warm bagel with cream cheese and salmon. I can still enjoy my beloved cuisine in my new home - Bagels have become a worldwide phenomenon. They are considered a Jewish food, but its origin date back to 1638. It seems that the bagel started out as a tribute to the Polish king by a baker from Vienna in 1683 to thank the king for saving Austria from a Turkish invasion.The king liked horses and this pastry resembled the ring in German that serves the rider of a horse as a place for his feet. In the 18th century Jewish merchants in Western Europe began marketing the product that is now considered a Jewish Delicacy. In the late 19th century European Jewish immigrants brought the Bagels to New York, which is now considered the Bagel capital of the world.The first vendors of this renowned product marketed their products from push carts in the East side of The Big Apple. 

I am writing this story from The Broadway Bagel in Haifa Israel. I consider this a great tribute to those hardworking merchants of Mott St, New York in the days of George Gershwin and The Marx Brothers. Today, the products comes in dozens of varieties and is adorned with various types of nuts, spices, and grains.

My favorite is still the original plain Bagel with smoked salmon and creamed cheese. Do not misunderstand. I love all varieties of this luscious treat and its delicious and flavorful additions. You can officially call me, nuts for Bagels.




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