Greek cuisine is all about simplicity, Mediterranean locality and generosity of heart.  This is also the life story of some people, who truly believe in the simple way of life, devoid of excess effort. These people create here, in Israel, an experience of hospitality and flavor, producing pure joy and a feeling of togetherness. I am excited to present to you a love story – for Greece and its food, out of which a wonderful place was born.

Alona and Shai are the couple behind ‘Alona’, a homey tavern in northern Israel, which they built together with lots of love and devotion. After travelling around for quite a bit, gathering inspiration, they decide to bring the Greek hospitality experience into their home. Because that’s what they love to do – eat, cook and make people happy.

Besides eating delicious Greek dishes like xorta, galaktoboriko, dolmedes and penzarosalata, the guests at Alona enjoy sitting in a wooden deck overlooking the wild nature of the Golan Heights.

Alona, who is a nutritionist, does the baking and the cooking, and Shai, who is a carpenter and a tour guide in Greece, is in charge of production and culture – music and stories that are all about Greece.

Alona’s connection with the Greek cuisine comes from the idea of taking simple, fresh raw ingredients, and turning them into excellent food that also has great timing – it works well in the context of her house, of her guests and of the colors and sounds around them. Everything just falls into place, without nothing pretentious, with a big smile and a big love for life, music and good food.

The small, intimate tavern in their yard in Sha’ar Yeshuv, is a natural addition to the landscapes around. There are no official opening hours, as this is not a restaurant. Just let them know before you want to come for a meal, even on Saturdays. The menu changes according to the season and their creative imagination. Alona’s tavern is a great dining option as part of a trip to the north. You can also throw small events there.

What’s in the taverna?

Homey hospitality, Greek style. Greek music, unlimited Ouzo, wine and beers. Greek stories and a 10-course Greek meal, based on vegetables, cheese and fish (no meat). Coffee and desert are usually served when the guests are already dancing, or laying lazily around.

Alona and Shai recommend giving them time – guests usually spend about 3 hours at their house. Vegans are welcome as there are many vegan options, and they are also willing to prepare the whole meal completely vegan.

At my request, Alona agreed to indulge you with two Greek recipes from her ‘home taverna’:

Alona’s tzatziki

Yogurt 1.5 liters

6-7 Cucumbers

Cloves from a whole garlic

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

The yogurt is reduced overnight in a cloth (a tetra diaper). Separately, grate the cucumbers and drain the liquid in a colander or with a cloth. Add the yogurt, grate / grind the garlic, and season with salt, pepper and lots of olive oil. Mix everything together. Holds in the fridge for a few days.

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Zucchini chips

Slice the zucchini into thin slices (slightly thicker than the thickness of a peeler).Rinse the zucchini and flour lightly. Rinse again (there will be sticky parts of flour and water on the zucchini that will become crispy once you fry them) and flour a second time, this time properly. Place the zucchini slices in a pan with a deep layer of preheated oil. Fry 2-3 minutes until slightly browned. Remove and sprinkle parmesan cheese or salty cheese over and enjoy.

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 Got hungry?  You can contact the wonderful Alona on the phone: 052-637-8234