jerusalem, city of golden arches The
opening of a large McDonalds just off the midrahov on Hillel St. a few years ago was
met with angry protest by religious Jews, who were infuriated by the burger tycoon's dis-
regard of kashrut, religious laws that determine what observant Jews eat, which prohib-
its mixing meat and dairy products (see Food and Drink, 2). The menu items aren't
the only controversial issue-while most other establishments have agreed to close for
Shabbat, McDonalds remains open seven days a week, employing Jewish youth.
Although the meat that they use is kosher, they continue to serve cheeseburgers, which
does not make Orthodox Jews McPleased.
kitchen; serene atmosphere with traditional decor. Traditional specialties include kubeh
(made from semolina and stuffed with minced meat or vegetables) and mujadara (rice
and lentils doesn't begin to describe it). Many vegetarian options. Soups NIS18-22;
entrees NIS24-58. Open Su-Th noon-llpm, F noon-sundown, Sa sundown-ll:30pm. О
Taco Taco, 35 Jaffa Rd. , marked by a bright green sign between Yoel
Salomon St. and Nafjalat Shiva. Affordable Mexican bar with fast service and fresh
ingredients made to order 'round the clock. Beef or chicken taco with cheese NIS12;
quesadilla NIS18. Open Su-W ll:30am-2am, Th-Sa 24hr. Happy hour daily 7-8pm. О
Au Sahara, 17 Jaffa Rd. , opposite the Municipality, a few steps away
from the rowdy downtown restaurant scene. This is probably the closest to a home-
cooked meal in Jerusalem's restaurants. The Moroccan kitchen has maintained North
African decorations and couscous-based recipes. Eggplant with minced meat NIS20;
veal with nuts and prunes NIS40. Open Su-Th 12:30-3pm and 6:30-llpm. в
Amigos, 19 Yoel Salomon St. Delicious Mexican place is a welcome
change from the hordes of generic Italian joints around it. The brightly colored walls and
music make for a lively atmosphere. Order any steaming fajita plate (steak and chicken
NIS72) and get a homemade margarita free. Daily lunch special includes main dish and
salad (NIS35). Open Su-Th noon-lam, F noon-sunset, Sa after sunset-lam. О
Korea House, 7 Nahalat Shiva St. , follow the signs into the alley off Yoel
Salomon. Run by a friendly Korean family. One of the few places in Israel to get roast
pork (NIS55). Daily lunch special: NIS30 for soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert.
For the communally oriented, full 4-person share-a-meal NIS200. Numerous vegetarian
options. Open daily noon-midnight. О
Stanley's, 3 Horkanos St. just off Heleni Ha-Malka,
between Jaffa Rd. and the Russian Compound. A hotspot for international dignitaries,
Israeli celebs, and all-round bigwigs who enjoy the French-South African cuisine (dishes
range from medallions de foie gras in port wine sauce to boerwors and ostrich fillet).
Dinners are expensive, but the business lunch at noon is an unbelievable deal: the
same food, with soup or salad, costs NIS24-35. Open daily noon-midnight. Reserva-
tions recommended for dinner. Q
Gizmongolia, 9 Heleni Ha-Malka St. , off Jaffa Rd. next door to the Net-
cafe right before the Russian Compound. Unique among Jerusalem restaurants: all you
can eat NIS80. Open buffet features 12 kinds of raw beef, chicken, and fish, among var-
ious sauces and veggies. Step 1: fill your plate to overflowing. Step 2: hand it to the
chef, who cooks it up as you like. Step 3: Repeat. There's also an a la carte menu with
entrees around NIS50. Open Su-Th 12:30-11:30pm, Sa sunset-11:30p
VEGETARIAN/DAIRY
BS Alumah, 19 Agrippas St. , just between King George St. and Mahaneh
Yehuda. The one-time restaurant has turned into a factory, but still maintains a store-
front and tables for the discriminating eater. The ultimate in health food: completely