These fears soon disappeared. First, who can have fear when we found a parking spot right in front of the place. In Tel Aviv you have better odds of winning the lottery. Second, just looking at the revamped building puts you in a good mood.
Hotel Montefiore is a boutique hotel with a restaurant sitting in the middle of the lobby and front porch. Just like the outside of the building, the interior design can take ones breath away.
We were quickly taken to our seats, where a funky, retro fan successfully kept the August heat at bay. To keep the chill alive, I ordered my usual Leffe Blond and Karen had a very nice cocktail based on Lichee and Cashasa. Not too sweet, and the lychee wasn’t overpowering.
For starters, we decided that a gezpacho would be a great choice for a hot evening – and we weren’t disappointed. It was just the way I like it – smooth and not chunky, and seasoned perfectly.
We also shared a dish of Tuna tartar served on a bed of diced avocado. The dish reminded me a bit more of ceviche, with quite a powerful lemon tang to it, but the combination with the avocado was perfect.
Next came the main dishes, with mine being a heart attack on a plate. Well, let me rephrase that: I got the lamb chop, stuffed with gorgeous Spanish manchega cheese, and all this wrapped in bacon. The ham was succulent, bacon nice and crispy, and the cheese – oh yes, the cheese was gooey. The side dish was just as divine, puree the way I like it: mostly butter and cream with a hint of potato.
Karen’s dish was a bit more on the delicate side, but just as impressive. She ordered the Sea Bream with Lemongrass Cream which came with a side dish of rice. The sauce as out of this world, and poured over the moist fish made for a great combo.
Our dessert was maybe the only thing we could complain about. The creme brulee was a bit on the lumpy side, not particularly cold enough and the sugar topping wasn’t hard enough and didn’t make that beautiful crackling sound as you punch through to the cream. Flavor was spot on, though.
The cappuccino I had was perfect, just the right temperature and strength of coffee.
The Kaufman Critique gives Hotel Montefiore 4 Stars!
The Welcome: 4
The Menu: 3.5
The Service: 4
The Cuisine Level: 4
Bang for Your Buck: 4.5
The Welcome
1 Star: They couldn’t care less who walks in
2 Stars: Hi, hurry up my shift is almost over
3 Stars: Fairly warm welcome
4 Stars: I think they’re happy I came
5 Stars: We’re actually REALLY glad to see you
The Menu
1 Star: Yawn
2 Stars: Pretty much the usual shtantz
3 Stars: A few surprises
4 Stars: Very interesting
5 Stars: Wow,unique stuff
The Service
1 Star: What service?
2 Stars: Annoyingly slow\rude
3 Stars: Can’t complain, but nothing to write home about
4 Stars: Treated like a prince
5 Stars: Treated like a king
The Cuisine Level
1 Star: I suddenly feel bolemic
2 Stars: Do I have to pay for this
3 Stars: Oh well…
4 Stars: I actually quite enjoyed that
5 Stars: Whoa, you’ll be seeing me again and again
The Bang for Your Buck
1 Star: What a rip-off
2 Stars: Wasn’t worth the money
3 Stars: OK, I guess
4 Stars: You’ll be seeing me again!
5 Stars: Wow! I’m gonna give this place 5 stars!