Conference & Meetings World Issue 104 | Page 41

Tel Aviv Left: Top – The Below right: streets of Jaffa; Old meets new Bottom – The in Ganei Yehusha park’s outdoor Park climbing frame – while it is true that security going in and out of the country is tight, we never felt anything but safe during our time in Tel Aviv. The city provides a unique blend of business acumen and living history, with a strong offering for incentive travellers and plenty of unexpected surprises. Each district of Tel Aviv has its own stories, telling a different chapter of its history. Culinary surprises Food remains one of Tel Aviv’s biggest cultural exports, and one the main reasons to visit – although things have come a long way since the days of Shamouti oranges. Delegates shouldn’t miss Miznon, a street food restaurant which serves mezze-style food on long, shared tables. Oven-baked pitta burgers with fresh hummous and roasted cauliflower are delivered without plates, while handfuls of salt and spices are sprinkled directly onto a huge paper sheet which covers the whole table. Miznon, after first opening in Tel Aviv, has now expanded to Paris, Vienna, and New York, among other global cities. Its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere is the secret to its popularity – something which can also be said for another culinary export. Eatwith, an innovative Israeli startup business, provides CMW with one of the most unique dining experiences we’ve had in any country. The app works something like Airbnb, but for dinner parties – hosts offer their cooking and hospitality services, welcoming guests to eat in their homes. We sit down for dinner in the apartment of an ex-chef who lives in the suburbs of Tel Aviv with his wife, a lawyer in the city centre. The couple use the app to supplement their income, welcoming guests twice a week. Eatwith offers us a glimpse of what local life looks like in Tel Aviv, as well as introducing us to the couple’s dog, who enthusiastically greets the new guests after dessert. Although the last few years have seen an increase in stability, some delegates may have understandable concerns about visiting Israel due to the ongoing conflicts on the Gaza Strip and nearby Syria. But that shouldn’t put them off ISSUE 104 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 41