This write up
was submitted by Fredi Engelberg [fredie@netvision.net.il]
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December 2010
When Theodor Herzl visited Jerusalem in 1898, I doubt if he would have found a decent strudel or brauhous. If he were to return today, to the stunning Mamila Mall, he would have a choice of cafes, and, in the exact location and hotel where he spent a few nights in Jerusalem, he would find a fine steakhouse, named in his honorHERZL. He would have the same view from the windows and balconies, of the walls of the Old City, Davids Citadel and vistas of the Judean Desert. Add to that today, the panoramic sweep of the Southern suburbs and the Valley of Hinnon, one can almost feel like Herzl must have felt at this historic moment.
The building has lovingly been restored to its former glory, if not better. Dont miss the small museum on the bottom level commemorating Herzls visit. The building is decked out with Ottoman period furniture and spread over three levels, indoors and out. There is a bar area and an open kitchen. Check out the lampshades with portraits of Theo.
Shlomi Dahan and his partners (also the owners and chefs of Luciana and Joy in the German Colony), have filled a niche with a good, moderately priced family-style restaurant in the mall. The restaurant is also under Rabbanut MEHADRIN supervision, so will suit all your Kashrut requirements.
About the Fine Herzl Menu
Steaks and hamburgers lead in popularity on the menu. The first courses are tempting starters. There is a soup of the day, seared tuna, beef carpaccio, salads, Grandmas liver pate, which was nothing like any grandmothers I know. It was a pleasant smooth spread served with onion jam and had a nutty crunch topping. We also had wild mushroom saut made with at least three different mushrooms. It was a simple dish made with excellent fresh local ingredients.
The main courses were hamburgers, steaks, and a few casserole dishes and fish dishes. We had the entrecote (200g, 300g, and 400g). Expect the best aged steaks in a restaurant that specializes in grilled meat. I had veal asado, slow-cooked, with garlic and herbs and root vegetables.
There is also a childrens menu. At 49sh, its a steal for hamburger or schnitzel and chips, soft drink and ice-cream.
The dessert menu is heavy on chocolate treats. Herzl will be disappointed if there is no strudel on the menu! In fact, on this, a return visit, there was banana strudel! Would Herzl recognize?
There is a full wine list and beer list, so you may just want to hang around for awhile and savor the view and atmosphere.
The restaurant is moderately priced for a restaurant with such a prestigious address. Entrees are under 100sh. Together with first courses (30-38sh) and desserts (38sh), dinner for two would be about 300sh.
BOTTOM LINE
HERZL is a fine addition to restaurants housed in historical buildings. For the price of dinner, you get an historical moment! How privileged are we to experience this in our generation!
PARKING
Dont forget that there is two hours free parking under the mall.
Salads: NIS 32 when ordered without a main course, Moroccan cigars: NIS 24, chopped liver: NIS 28. Grilled chicken salad: NIS 65. Steaks: NIS 109 -118. Lamb chops: 148. chraime NIS 86.
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