Destinations: When in Tel Aviv...  | FROM THE OUT TRAVELER | Advocate.com

     
Destinations: When in Tel Aviv...
Considering that it's barely 60 years old, Israel has become quite gay quite quickly, and nowhere more so than in Tel Aviv, its boy- and Bauhaus-filled commercial, cultural and culinary capital.
Posted on Advocate.com April 30, 2008
Destinations: When in Tel Aviv...

This sunny seaside town, with its Miami-esque Mediterranean promenade and easygoing café culture, is packed with the kind of "we're here, we're queer" vibe more typically found in Sydney and San Francisco than in one of the most conservative regions in the world.

But it wasn't always this way. Just a decade ago the country witnessed its first televised gay kiss, courtesy of producer-director couple Eytan Fox and Gal Uchovsky, who went on to make the iconic gay-themed Israeli films "The Bubble" and "Yossi & Jagger." "The Bubble," in particular, presented an air-kissing, gym-going, chest-shaving Tel Aviv that -- at least for visitors -- is not so far from the truth.

There are easy-access saunas, a troika of sex clubs, cruising and sunning on gay beaches and plenty of high-culture diversions like symphony, opera, dance and theater -- with many performances in English.

THE DRINK

Evita
31 Yavne St.; 011-972-3-5669559
Evita is one of Tel Aviv's rare true lounges, with comfy furniture, a full dining menu and an excellent range of cocktails. Its three owners are thoroughly tall, dark and handsome, and the casual vibe ensures a welcome balance between professional types and just-out club kids.

Cedamus Amori
37 Nahalat Binyamin St.; 011-972-54-7750707
Serving both cocktails and light cuisine, this split-level lounge bar includes a gallery and events space up top, while the downstairs bar features rotating DJs spinning an eclectic mix of punk, electro, classic soul and deep New York-style house.

Levontine 7
7 Levontine St.; 011-972-3-5605084
Opened late last year, this is a performance space established by New York City jazz musician Assif Tsahar and Ilan Volkov, the Israeli-born conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The duplex club showcases the best of local and international punk, rock, jazz and modern classical. Its queer Yod party (Yod.shoyn.com) is an '80s hitfest starring Madonna, Morrissey, et al.

THE BITE

Brasserie M&R
70 Ibn Gvirol St.; 011-972-3-6967111
With its art deco atmosphere, authentic Parisian menu and prime city-center location, Brasserie lures everyone from politicians to celebs, army officers to high-tech whiz kids. Do as they do and park yourself on one of Brasserie's rich wooden banquettes to enjoy Left Bank classics like oysters, steak tartare, braised short ribs and coq au vin.

Martha Kitchen and Bar
26 Ibn Gvirol St.; 011-972-3-6966843
Owned by Israeli-American fashion designer Elie Tahari (of Theory fame), Martha Kitchen and Bar is an all-hours hot spot with a tasty range of house-made vodkas (flavored with cinnamon, lavender or ginger) and a mod-Mediterranean menu. Come for lunch, followed by a visit to the nearby Tel Aviv Museum, or pop in for a late supper after artsy performances at the neighboring Tel Aviv Cinematheque.

Originally published in Out April, 2008, issue 173

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: mark jones
    Date posted: 2008-05-13 11:47 PM
    Hometown: st. petersburg, FL

    Comment:

    I visit Tel Aviv 2-3x a year and agree that it is gay-friendly. However, it is no San Fransisco. This article was remiss in not mentioning The Vox, the largest gay music/dance club in Tel Aviv. Vox brings in the big name DJs and parties; usually opens around 1am. It is a fun city and if anyone decides to visit, hopefully you will enjoy it!


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