Israel cited in culinary mag’s travel awards
Tel Aviv receives two ‘outstanding’ marks as a destination for food aficionados. Jerusalem, El Al also get mentions
Itamar Sharon is a news editor at The Times of Israel
Popular American food and wine magazine Saveur has issued its annual culinary travel awards, and though Israel did not win any first place prizes, it did receive several very respectable mentions in various categories.
Tel Aviv was noted as an “outstanding” culinary destination in the Small International category (cities with a population of less than 800,000) alongside Florence, Italy and Lyon, France. It came behind Spain’s San Sebastian (readers’ choice) and Denmark’s Copenhagen.
The vibrant Mediterranean city also received an “outstanding” citation in the Best Markets and Shops, International category, alongside Paris and Barcelona and just behind Tokyo. Jerusalem was also featured in this category, winning a more humble rank of “notable” alongside cities such as London, Madrid, Bangkok and Istanbul.
Finally, El Al Israel Airlines won an “outstanding” mark in the Best In-Flight Wine Program, though its dining menus did not receive similar praise.
Other notable categories included Best Hotel Restaurant, Best Cocktails & Drinks, Best Hotel Bar, Best Culinary Tours, Best All-Inclusive Resort, Best Brewery Experience, Best Airport Lounge and more.
Saveur, founded in 1994, is a magazine that specializes in culinary traditions around the world, focusing on authentic cuisine. According to its website, it “emphasizes heritage and tradition, home cooking and real food, evoking flavors from around the world.”
