THE WEEKENDER
Tel Aviv by Nathen Hamaoui
THE WEEKENDER - TEL AVIV
NATHEN HAMAOUI
-Fashion designer and e-com manager -
"Fashion as always been my biggest passion. I find beauty in art, music, photography and nature. I’m very much of a summer boy and you would always find me next to the beach"
WHY DO YOU LOVE YOUR CITY?
I love Tel Aviv because it has a special energy. Everywhere u go, there is always something special to do and see. It Has a gorgeous beach strip and the best restaurants. What also makes it so special is the diversity of people.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY IN TEL AVIV
My ideal Saturday would begin with breakfast at Beit Hanna. More than just your local breakfast spot, Beit Hanna is a body and mind center situated in a beautiful building on Harabi street. The place offers outdoor movie screenings, lectures, art exhibitions, a café, and fitness, yoga, and meditation classes.
After a good workout at 100% power, I'd head off to Trumpeldor Beach, just south of Bograshov Beach. You'll know you've arrived when you see a distinctive statue that resembles a monkey perched on top of some kind of pod (you decide!). I love this beach for its vibrant atmosphere. Later in the day,
I love to spend my Saturday at Herzl 16, a café-bar that hosts live performances, music festivals, DJs, and simply good times! The outdoor patio is adorned with beautiful plants hanging from above, creating a great atmosphere. The good vibes at Herzl 16 are accompanied by tasty food and drinks.
Alternatively, I may end up at my other favorite place, Teder. Originally born as an underground radio station, Teder has firmly established itself in the young and hip scene in Tel Aviv. Open every night of the week, Teder is one of the top venues for events in the city, hosting cozy concerts or DJ sets almost nightly, along with Eyal Shani's legendary pizzas.
Bar 51
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD?
My favorite neighborhood would be the central part of the city which is known by the little streets with Bauhaus architecture such as Yavne, Melchet and Montifiorie.
WERE TO STAY
My favorite hotel The Norman Hotel set on prominent King Albert Square, it houses an An impressive modern art collection, a gorgeous rooftop with panoramic city views and an infinity pool, Their leafy garden is ideal for an al fresco lunch before heading out into the city. and of course the Soho house. located i in Jefeth street in a unique steeple building that was built between 1883 to 1917 and was used as a monastery to the sisters of Saint Joseph. it is members only but those who are must see.
WERE TO GET THE BEST COFFEE
Cafelix café Tel Aviv's first innercity roastery, this lovely café just a few blocks from bustling Levinsky market is a great place to recharge.
Herzl 16
WERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Among my favorites is Bar 51, where you can enjoy a glass of wine from an extensive wine bar menu alongside small plates by acclaimed chef Moshiko Gamlieli. In typical Tel Aviv style, which is effortlessly on trend and too-cool-for-school, they eschew bells and whistles in favor of rough-luxe concrete, hanging plants, and a simple long bar punctuated by tall bistro stools lining the length of the space.
R48, nestled in a preserved 1930s Bauhaus building with an extended glass façade, is booked months in advance, so be sure to make reservations in time. The pint-sized restaurant offers Middle Eastern-meets-Mediterranean-meets-Far East flavors that are worth the wait. Teder, the pop-up bar, has taken permanent residence on Derech Jaffa 9, a closed-off courtyard in South Central Tel Aviv, underneath their flagship Salon Romano restaurant.
Basta, though small, is perfectly formed. It's located on a street leading off Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market, and almost all its produce is sourced from there. The daily changing menu is scribbled on a piece of paper on the wall and features dishes like baguette topped with mussels, smoked salmon, and mackerel, as well as yellowtail carpaccio, all paired with an exceptional wine list.
Manta Ray, situated on the promenade between Yafo and Tel Aviv, right on Alma Beach, is a true beachfront restaurant located alongside the sands of the beach and just steps away from the crashing waves. The kitchen is famous for its unique Middle Eastern cuisine.
SHOPS WE CANT MISS
I have a great love for architecture and home decor, and my favorite store to visit is Edition. They have an impeccable selection of furniture and accessories.
Another love of mine is paper and all stationary stuff, and for that, I go to Yolleta, where you will find the most beautiful notebooks and pens. Check out our local streetwear brand,
ATA wear, for clothing. Ata is the very first Israeli company to design and manufacture textiles and clothing locally. It was originally founded close to a century ago, but has most recently been re-opened and re-branded, making a name for itself in modern Israeli fashion, with sustainability and locality as mainstays on its agenda. A true reboot of the ‘worker’s attire’ worn by early settlers to Israel, it showcases a series of collections that combine style and function – from unisex jumpsuits to canvas travel bags.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Neve Tzedek is the oldest neighborhood in Tel Aviv. and has a special energy- everything so nice and authentic. The gorgeous architecture, packed within quiet narrow lanes, along with the relaxed manner of the neighborhood’s residents, make the neighborhood of Neve Tzedek a gem of a place to spend an afternoon. You can find avant-garde design stores, fashion boutiques and handicraft shops, as well as a weekly farmers’ market in HaTachana, a restored railway station. Trendy European restaurants sit alongside stylish bistros, and many of the area’s al fresco cafes turn into live jazz bars and cocktail lounges at night.
Levinsky market holds the best food and spices. Shenkin street is cool for a coffee and shopping and my favorite spot in town would be Yaacov garden (super nice and peaceful).
Soho House
YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL HOTSPOTS
As mentioned above, Yaacov Garden is my favorite place in the city. The garden, which was built in 1964, underwent many hardships over the years and was renovated in 2007 to celebrate 100 years of Tel Aviv. It now boasts two garden levels with preserved giant Ficus trees, some of which are thousands of years old. It is said to be the finest and most impressive botanical garden in Israel.
ABOUT THE WEEKENDER
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