Dining in Jerusalem: Recommendations by Restaurateurs from Barcelona

These two restaurants are highly recommended for serious diners in Jerusalem. We learned of these from one of our guests "Amy Artal Patnaik" , who is a restaurateur in Barcelona Chakra 41 King George St. 02-6252733 Recently relocated and redesigned, this place is both a popular restaurant and one of the busiest night spots in Jerusalem. MahaneYuda Beit Ya'akov 10, Mahane Yehuda Market 02-5333442 The décor and the food is funky, idiosyncratic but soulful, though sometimes the three chef owners sharing the open kitchen get a little carried away by their own coolness. Still overall experience is fabulous. Currently the hottest restaurant in Jerusalem, so book well ahead. ##################################### Now for our Barcelona recommendation: Cinc Sentiits Recommended for:Foodies, Special occasions Best for Gourmets -Expert review of Cinc Sentits Last updated 31 January 2011 Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant with a deep respect for the ways of the Catalan kitchen. Brother and sister Jordi (chef) and Amy Artal (maître d’) run this small, well-respected shrine to modern Catalan cuisine, which finally earned a much-deserved Michelin star in 2009. Food and drink: There is no a la carte, just two tasting menus – the six-course Essència or the eight-course Sensacions. To start they will bring you the house ‘chupito’ – a shot glass layered with rock salt, maple syrup (a nod to their Canadian roots), cream and cava sabayon, and then a parade of creative dishes that might include crisp coca bread with caramelised leeks and foie gras; red mullet with basil risotto, or suckling pig with ‘two textures’ of apple. Ambience: The dining room is hushed and minimalist – this is not the place for a rowdy party. Service: Amy and her multilingual team are knowledgeable and charming, and will steer you through the range of options and a good wine list. Location: Cinc Sentits is on C/Aribau, just up from the intersection with C/Aragó. Price advice: The Essència menu is 50 euros, while the Sensacions menu is 69 euros. More information on Cinc Sentits: Price guide:ExpensiveType:RestaurantFood:CatalanAddress:C/Aribau 58, Barcelona, 08011Telephone:93 323 94 90Website:http://www.cincsentits.comServes:Lunch, DinnerOpening times:Tue-Sat 1.30-3pm, 8.30-10.30pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays and two weeks in August.Accepts Credit Cards:YesReservations:Essential at peak times Have you been to Cinc Sentits? Would you