Street View: Noga, Tel Aviv's latest and greatest neighborhood revitalization
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Rebecca Roberts
North Jaffa, affectionately known as Noga, has been rapidly evolving from its former status as warehouse haven. Now it's home to an array of studios, boutiques and cafes, all crammed into a few cobblestoned streets. Sandwiched between trendy Florentine and Shuk HaPishpishim, Noga is a refreshing addition to the creative neighborhoods of Tel Aviv. Albert
Spilling out onto the cobblestoned streets of Noga, Albert is a homey, tiny cafe that offers smoothies, salads and breakfasts. Try "The One" salad, a fresh mix of lentils and greens, paired with the cardamon, banana and bittersweet chocolate smoothie. While service certainly isn't brisk, the staff is undeniably friendly and promotes a generally lazy air of relaxation and contentment — perfect to get you in the mood for the rest of the day.
Where: Bat Ami 6 When: Mon.-Thurs. & Sun., 7:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. More info: Facebook
Purple Square
Making hands-down the best coffee in town, Purple Square prides itself on excellent brews and exercises the freedom to experiment and innovate. Formerly of the Cafelix brand, Purple Square roasts on a small-batch roaster using a copper drum, making the coffee sweet with a special twist. The baristas here are some of the few in Tel Aviv who know how to properly construct the flat white, and the square outside (for which the shop is named) is a charming spot for perching and sipping.
Where: Sgula 15 When: Daily, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. More info: 03-5469890; Facebook
Gelada Studio
Gelada is a conceptual design studio with a handcrafted, eclectic mix of in-house graphics and signage. It was founded by iconic local tastemaker Yaron Mendelovici and sells original prints as well as playful shirts and other paraphernalia that are carefully researched and reminiscent of travel relics of the past. All wares are sourced from local materials, and are designed and produced in Tel Aviv.
Where: Ruhama 9 When: Mon.-Thurs., noon-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More info: 03-670-6511; Facebook
Gesher Theatre
Founded in 1990, the Gesher Theatre is a testament to the importance of Russian culture and language in Tel Aviv. Created by a group of young artists from Moscow, the theater is lauded for the daring, fresh energy and talent it brings to the Tel Aviv theater scene, the likes of which hadn't been seen before in Israel. Performing popular modern works such as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead in addition to new Israeli pieces, the company brings an air of timeless sophistication to the 'hood.
Where: Yerushalayim 9 More info: 03-515-7000; gesher-theatre.co.il
eF Efrat Ezuz
Efrat Ezuz, who goes by the moniker eF, is a Tel Aviv based jewelry designer who creates bright, beautiful pieces that are both fashion forward and wearable. Her colorful creations are all made in-house, including the brand-new D.N.A. winter 2017 collection. To sweeten the deal, jewelry workshops are frequently offered, teaching even the most design-challenged of folks to make simple, stylish accessories.
Where: 3 Poria St. When: By appt. More info: 054-7742852 (call before visiting); Facebook
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