Ottolenghi - Jerusalem on a Plate

RAW - The official fair online wineshop, open may 31st.

21st Dec, 2011

Jerusalem on a Plate

So many positive feedbacks after the Jerusalem documentary on BBC4! I can’t tell you the number of warm emails and tweets I received. Working on this project with James Nutt, the director, was fun and challenging at the same time but meeting all the beautiful people of Jerusalem was only uplifting and touching and delicious.

If you live in the UK, you can catch the show on the BBC iPlayer here. At the moment it is only available with a sign language interpreter. BBC4HD will air it on the 31st December and after that you will be able to watch the original on iPlayer.

People have been particularly interested knowing about the restaurants featured in the programmes.

So here they are, and here’s to falafel, za’atar and harmony!

Machneyuda – that’s the last restaurant featured in the show, with the service and all the madness.
Arcadia – where I was shown a deconstructed baba ganush and stuffed potato cakes (Ezra “my-first-name-is-salad” Kedem).
Majda – read all the way down to get the details. This is the restaurant belonging to Michal and Yaakov, a mixed couple, but more importantly – stunning food.
Azura – the incredible kubbeh place where I go to “work” at 5am.
Jaffar – the Knafeh place with the pistachios and all that orange colour. Sweet and meaty.
Zalatimo – the place where Jesus visited regularly and the old man rolls pastry paper-thin. The most delicious sweet in the world, a Zalatimo.
Hummus – so many good hummus places (any of the ones listed is top!). Though I couldn’t find a link to the one featured in the show (“They took our land, now you ask me about the dish?”). It’s called Al-Akarmawi and if you leave Damascus gate from inside the walls, cross the busy road and start going up the street coming off it, it is on the right hand side.
Kadosh – the café and bakery making those mouthwatering krantz cakes that I made so badly.

And a few other great places that I wouldn’t miss but didn’t make it to the final cut:
Rachmo, Barood, Ramas Kitchen and Shaheen.

To my surprise there has been a lot of discussion about the music, so here's a list of the artists and songs.
Balkan beet box with; Gross, Joro Boro, Smatron, Gypsy queens, Balcumbia, Baharim.
Shantel with Fige ki ase.
It also featured music from Tristin Norwell.

Filed in General | 93 comments

Comments

1. Ivelina said, on 21 December, 2011 09:47
Thank you very much for the wonderful program and for the information on this page, Yotam! It is so rare to be surprised with anything new, with all the existing TV culinary shows nowadays...It was a real pleasure to watch you in Jerusalem. I wish I could go there someday and try all the exquisite food we saw in the program.
Have a very merrry festivities and the happiest New Year!
Ivelina
2. LJ said, on 21 December, 2011 10:20
Any idea whether there is a way for those of us in the US to watch it? BBC website only allows UK. Thanks!
3. Claire Kelly said, on 21 December, 2011 11:53
Loved the Jerusalem programme - and am now completely inspired to cook - will there be a Jerusalem cook book?
4. Rosie Howorth said, on 21 December, 2011 13:19
I just watched the program Jerusalem on a Plate. I just loved it! Especially the last restaurant you went to. So inspiring. It made me want to travel to Jerusalem just to eat there, it looked like a bit of heaven to me! I am a big fan of your cooking and eagerly await new cookbooks! I tell everyone about your amazing food. It's the best!
Keep cooking and would love to see more of you on the telly.
Rosie Howorth
5. Anne Adamson said, on 21 December, 2011 14:46
I am just watching the programme now, and I am smiling. What a wonderful programme. The food looked so good and full of colour. I am a Scottish Christian, but my partner is Jewish and from Tel Aviv originally. I would love to try some of the dishes that were hi-lighted on the show. Well done.
6. Ewan said, on 21 December, 2011 15:22
Hi Yotam
I stumbled upon "Jerusalem on a Plate" last night on TV. Sorry to say I've never heard of you before but I thought the programme was brilliant. I've always though middile-easteen food was "so so" and the title didn't fill me with enthusiasm but all the food on the programme looked amazing. Food aside, the program was greatly enjoyable meeting these great characters and sensing how the enjoyment of food can bring people together - and you have a great presence and look like a sound chap. The most mouth watering for me was the one which was lots of different oils and things on a small plate with a (artichoke?) stalk sticking up. When I looked up your books online I was delighted to see that "Plenty" caters for veggies (like me).
Cheers Yotam.
Your new fan Ewan !!
7. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 21 December, 2011 16:36
@Ivelina, @Rosie, @Anne, @Ewan, Thank you all for all the warm comments.

@LJ, I am not sure but will tweet/tell as soon as I know.

@Claire, Sami and I are working on a Jerusalem book. Out - August 2012.
8. Rhian said, on 21 December, 2011 16:47
I am visiting Jerusalem in February and your show has opened my eyes to the variety and innovative food there. I had no idea how much work and tradition is in food. Thanks for a wonderful programme.
9. Margo Sabella said, on 21 December, 2011 17:13
Hello.... I'm Palestinian from Jerusalem now living in Edinburgh and your show really made me nostalgic... couldn't enjoy the show without some nice Araq!
10. Emma Best said, on 21 December, 2011 18:47
PLEASE bring out a Jerusalem on a Plate cookbook! Please, please, please! I've been following you for years...
11. Binyomin said, on 21 December, 2011 18:53
Why were there not any kosher supervised restaurants in your programme?
12. Evelin said, on 21 December, 2011 18:57
thank you so much for doing the program. I'm in Perth, Australia and I'm just amazed of what is on offer in Jerusalem. In my teens, I have been twice in Jerusalem and I have fond memories of the city. I will try to do some of the recipes.

Keep up the good work, I thoroughly enjoyed the program. I'm waiting for the book

Good luck to you.
13. Gillian holding said, on 22 December, 2011 03:48
Brilliant! Just watching the programme at Manchester Airport about to fly out to Israel and was just wondering how to find all these places!!
14. Maya Hanley said, on 22 December, 2011 07:53
I watched your program last night (I had recorded it) and fell in love with Jerusalem and now want to go there. I love your recipes and it was great to see you on the TV talking so enthusiastically about the local food. I loved the idea of food being the way to peace. I was lucky enough to cook one of your recipes at the Arvon Foundation in Devon last year, with a great group of people. It was the favourite recipe of the week for us. Can't wait for the Jerusalem cookbook.
15. Karen said, on 22 December, 2011 09:54
Yotem Ottolenghi - thank you for making Jerusalem on a Plate. It was the most, original, interesting and captivating food programmes I have seen in a very long time. It was inspiring, I smiled the whole way through it and wanted to eat every single dish featured. I loved it please can we have seconds! Happy holidays.....
16. Tourist Israel said, on 22 December, 2011 10:20
An amazing show - people need to see more of the food of the region because as you said it is a bridge to bring people together, and also a bridge to bring people into Israel.
17. Maya Hanley said, on 22 December, 2011 10:27
I watched your program last night (I had recorded it) and fell in love with Jerusalem and now want to go there. I love your recipes and it was great to see you on the TV talking so enthusiastically about the local food. I loved the idea of food being the way to peace. I was lucky enough to cook one of your recipes at the Arvon Foundation in Devon last year, with a great group of people. It was the favourite recipe of the week for us. Can't wait for the Jerusalem cookbook.
18. Gerry said, on 22 December, 2011 10:52
I loved the recipes and the programme. Will try to get to one of the restaurants next week and taste first hand! Looking forward to your next book.
19. TIM said, on 22 December, 2011 12:12
Just watched your show on BBC I-Player and it had me salivating all the way through...scintillatingly different recipes, eclectic mix of cultures and traditions......Jerusalem here I come.....if only the outside world (and more importantly the Middle East) were that peaceful and accommodating.....peace through delicious food.....gotta start somewhere if the politicians can't do it, may be you can?! Brilliant, well done!
20. Alex said, on 22 December, 2011 15:45
Thank you for such a mouth watering and joyful programme, which I watched with my children. They loved it too. We're travelling to Jerusalem in Spring and will definitely go to as many of the places recommended. It is very generous of you to have listed the restaurants on your site. We are really looking forward to your new book coming out and wish you every success. Alex and family
21. Zoe Yacoub said, on 22 December, 2011 16:20
What an amazing programme. It made me hungry and it also made me get my father-in-law's Sefardi recipes out of the cupboard, inspiring me to try something new (here goes kubbe!)
Thank you for posting the links to those wonderful eateries, we will definitely be visiting Majda next time we're in Israel, the food and the setting looked so wonderful. Thank you for showing a positive, non-political (almost) side of that little bit of the world.
Zoe

PS my husband and I cracked up at the "my first name is salad" comment :)
22. Maya Hanley said, on 22 December, 2011 20:47
I watched your program last night (I had recorded it) and fell in love with Jerusalem and now want to go there. I love your recipes and it was great to see you on the TV talking so enthusiastically about the local food. I loved the idea of food being the way to peace. I was lucky enough to cook one of your recipes at the Arvon Foundation in Devon last year, with a great group of people. It was the favourite recipe of the week for us. Can't wait for the Jerusalem cookbook.
23. Susan Schnadhorst said, on 23 December, 2011 08:45
Yotam, your programme is sensational! You have managed to bring to life a city whose culinary heritage has been largely shrouded in mystery for the average Brit. The Western view is primarily focused on negative stories of violence and you managed to show how the love and respect for food brings a positive side to the lives of the people who live there. The human stories you show, illustrating the generousity of people, regardless of faith, inviting you to share their kitchens and tables is very humbling. Perhaps you could show the UK Government that this is what the 'big society' really looks like.
Can't wait for the next installment!
24. Colin-M said, on 23 December, 2011 09:18
Hi Yotam, just caught the Jerusalem programme and loved it on so many levels.

The cookery looked inspirational and I also really liked how you showed the viewpoints of the Jews and the Palestinians. Sadly in the West, not everyone gets beyond the news headlines and I thought this programme offered a bit of hope.

Also loved the way you listened to everyone. There have been so many shows in the past where a well known chef goes to another land, then tries to cook that country's dishes. Usually with the locals looking politely on & not daring to say anything critical.

All I need to do now is re-watch it on i-Player to learn how to make Ezra's stuffed potato cakes!
25. Louise Hepworth said, on 23 December, 2011 09:39
what a wonderful programme. I could almost smell the food. Please please please can I get hold of the recipe for aubergines - baba ganoush - which you were shown in the kitchen of one of the restaurants. What did he put on the plate with the aubergine which you then devoured????!!!!
It was to die for.
Thanks
26. Rosey said, on 23 December, 2011 10:17
Just tried toasting an aubergine on my gas hob as shown in one of the Jerusalem restaurants. It was amazing. Easy to do and so delicious.
27. sam said, on 23 December, 2011 16:36
Cool program on jerusalem
i have noted the restaurant details and can't wait to hit them on my next trip out there.

The way to peace is definitely through the tastebuds.

Hummus and baba ganoush eaters of the world unite !

Great documentary and looking forward to the book
28. Ellen-Ann Lacey said, on 24 December, 2011 03:36
What a gorgeous program.. and the timing for me was impeccable! I'm traveling to Israel - 12 days end of January and bringing a friend who is a first timer! I can't wait to visit all of those wonderful restaurants. It's too bad we won't be able to have the warm home hospitality that we were able to experience. I felt a very close kinship with you as you spoke of your feelings while in East Jerusalem and visiting the Palestinian neighborhoods. Looking even more forward to my visit. Thanks again for a beautiful experience.
29. Ellen-Ann Lacey said, on 24 December, 2011 04:00
What a gorgeous program.. and the timing for me was impeccable! I'm traveling to Israel - 12 days end of January and bringing a friend who is a first timer! I can't wait to visit all of those wonderful restaurants. It's too bad we won't be able to have the warm home hospitality that we were able to experience. I felt a very close kinship with you as you spoke of your feelings while in East Jerusalem and visiting the Palestinian neighborhoods. Looking even more forward to my visit. Thanks again for a beautiful experience.
30. Marilyn said, on 24 December, 2011 06:21
Shalom Yotam,
It's the first time I've seen a tv cookery programme about anything Israeli, and it was wonderful. Being Israeli and British myself, it made me proud (and homesick!) that you showed Jerusalem and it's food so beautifully, full of colour and the wonderful and warm people. I'm Jewish and my husband is muslim, we met in Tel Aviv, so the mixture of culture and food warmed my heart so much because I know it all so well, and a lot of it, especially the arabic food, I love cooking here in London too. I can only wish that other British chefs will have the courage to visit the area and show that it has even more to offer than than many of the european countries we get to see all the time.
Toda m'kol halev and shukran!.
31. tangobravo said, on 24 December, 2011 06:49
Just watched the programme with the family, and we loved it. We're going to Jerusalem next week, and we will definitely try out some of the places you mentioned. Thank you so much! (Oh, and we will be coming to London next year, and we will come and check what you've learned ;-)

@LJ: We watched this from Germany, if Yotam puts us in touch I can tell you how it works.
32. Colin said, on 24 December, 2011 06:54
Hi Yotam,

just watched the programme last night, considering the amount of food programmes on TV these days it was great to see something so original, fresh and interesting, amazing work. You mentioned in the show about the differences between Jewish and Palestinian hummus do you have any recipes for the Palestinian version?

Also it would be great if you could give some recommendations of places to go in and around London that you think do good Jewish and Palestinian traditional home cooking and also any places where you might be able to find the sort of pastries you were eating so much during the programmes.

Lastly, where are some good Jewish and Palestinian supermarkets in London.

Thanks, and look forward to hopefully lots more food programmes from you in the future.

Colin.
33. Joe Williams said, on 24 December, 2011 10:52
I loved the programme - Jerusalem is now a must on my travel list! Is there a list of the soundtrack anywhere? I noticed some Shantel but wasn't familiar with the rest of it and need to hear more!
34. CliveR said, on 24 December, 2011 13:43
Fantastic programme this week, just such a shame it was only one hour, Im sure there could have been at least another hour to watch. I have been inspired and today bought both your excellant books. The programme took me back to 92 and 93 when I lived in Israel working for the VOP. Hope there is a book for the programme. Best wishes for a great Christmas.
35. Chantal said, on 24 December, 2011 16:23
Hi Yotam! I just watched Jerusalem on a plate and it really took me back to the year that I lived in Jerusalem. I'm so excited that you featured 'Kadosh' which is one of my favourite cafés (If you go back you should try their halloumi salad :)). Very much looking forward to your Jerusalem book and it is so inspiring to see how good food transcends culture and boundaries. All the best, Chantal
36. Chantal said, on 24 December, 2011 16:32
Hi Yotam! I just watched Jerusalem on a plate and it really took me back to the year that I lived in Jerusalem. I'm so excited that you featured 'Kadosh' which is one of my favourite cafés (If you go back you should try their halloumi salad :)). Very much looking forward to your Jerusalem book and it is so inspiring to see how good food transcends culture and boundaries. All the best, Chantal
37. Kamran said, on 24 December, 2011 20:12
Very inspiring and interesting programme. Well done - hope you do some more. Especially nice to see how you've looked at both cultures for ideas and your source of inspiration. I will now be visiting your London restaurant(s) to try some of this amazing cuisine. Best of luck!
38. Murni said, on 24 December, 2011 20:54
I really enjoyed watching the programme like others here, for it had reminded me very much the Arab quarter at my hometown in Surabaya, Indonesia. Furthermore, "Zalatimo" is called "martabak" in Indonesia; there is a variety of sweet and savoury fillings. It is a popular "snack" among Indonesians and many food stalls sell it on the streets.
39. Caffettiera said, on 25 December, 2011 14:20
I am a long time fan of your cooking, but I did not expect to enjoy your documentary so much. We were smitten by it, and we can't wait to visit there. Interesting place, definitely.
40. Syd said, on 25 December, 2011 15:17
Hi Yotam !
I also enjoyed the marvelous Jerusalem On A Plate. You obviously have a passion for food and the people and cultures that create it. I hadn't heard of you before, but I Googled your name and soon placed an order for Plenty which arrived yesterday. As a vegetarian I am delighted with Plenty, and I like the way you have adapted recipes such as the Vietnamese pancake. I look forward to experimenting with some new ingredients inspired by the programme and my newly acquired book.
41. Lina said, on 25 December, 2011 19:15
Hi Yotam! Just wanted to congratulate you and thank you for an amazing programme last Tuesday! I loved it! I am Palestinian and grew up roaming the streets of old Jerusalem every summer when we would visit my grandparents and your programme brought back a flood of gorgeous memories from my absolute favorite childhood memoments and it allowed me to share the Jerusalem I love with my boyfriend all the way in Dublin and I believe he is now more in love with the Jerusalem I have been describing to him all these years thanks to you! He now cannot wait to try Zalatimo's Mutabaa and Jafar's Knaffeh and we really want to go Machneyuda, their kitchen was just amazing! Thank you!....in the meantime, I have the perfect xmas gift for him, your cookbook, your passion for food is contagious!
42. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 26 December, 2011 05:35
Thank you all for all the positive comments! Making the show was a pure joy and now, getting this wonderful feedback, makes it all even more gratifying. Happy holidays!
43. valentina said, on 27 December, 2011 13:46
Loved the programme. Put a link on facebook so that the ones who have not seen it yet can also see it. Would you know if there is a way for non UK residents to watch it? have some friends in the US who would love to watch it as well. I cannot wait to get the book when it comes out. The programme filled me with good energy and made my day. Thank you!!!
44. Peter said, on 27 December, 2011 16:43
Hi Yotam,

What an incredible programme! I was spellbound throughout. The foods, the spices, the aromas, the textures, the simple joy of cooking, all of it came through. I have to go to Jerusalem now.

Will you be doing a Jerusalem cookbook?

Best wishes

Peter
45. Esther A Austin said, on 28 December, 2011 08:49
Jerusalem on a Plate was a delight to watch, as for many people it made me sooo homesick for the time I spent there and the wonderful wonderful food. But PLEASE, Yotam, can you tell me the name of the fantastic crazy music that was playing towards the end of the programme, as you were making the dessert in the mahane'yuda kitchen ? I must have it !
46. David said, on 28 December, 2011 09:59
What a great programme! Hopefully food will help to make peace in the region become a reality.
So many great recipes and places.
Is there any way to get the BBC to make the programme available for longer than 7 days? They do so for other programmes including the 3 part Jerusalem series. It has expired after 7 days, so the link from your site is no longer working.
47. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 28 December, 2011 12:32
@peter, the next book is called Jerusalem and will be available September 2012.

@valentina, I posted a link on facebook but it wont be available until after 1st January. I'm trying to find out about viewing it internationally.

@murni, thanks for the interesting facts!
48. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 29 December, 2011 06:00
@gillian, The restaurants are listed on an the blog now.

@gerry, Hope you made it to one of our restaurants!

@susan, @colin-m, thank you, your words are appreciated.
49. Pippa C said, on 29 December, 2011 09:43
Hi Yotam,

received your cookbook for Christmas - I had hinted heavily ;)

I'm excited and inspired by the recipes. We live in a Middle Eastern neighbourhood so your book will help me make the most of all the fabulous food around me. I *won't* be one of the people complaining about the ingredient lists :)

Kindest regards, Pippa
50. Simone Fields said, on 29 December, 2011 14:08
I have just watched Jerusalem on a plate on catch-up tv and got such a surprise, never seen a food programme like it, totally unique. I think it should be made compulsory viewing worldwide in order to counter all the negativity and ignorance about this place!
It was such an eye opener, buzzing with vitality,wish I'd have recorded it to keep on my hard drive.
I will keep the list of eateries safe for when I next visit. My husband and I are going to have to pay one of your restaurants a visit, we are in NW London. Which one features recipes that you brought back with you, Yotam?
51. john richardson said, on 29 December, 2011 16:28
Loved the programme. Where do you get your za'atar? And/or what's your recipe for it? I used to eat it every morning when I lived in a Palestinian village... and miss it most days!
52. john richardson said, on 29 December, 2011 17:58
Loved the programme. Where do you get your za'atar? And/or what's your recipe for it? I used to eat it every morning when I lived in a Palestinian village... and miss it most days!
53. yotam said, on 30 December, 2011 06:51
@Esther A Austin, the crazy music is Baharim on 'Nu Med' by Balkan Beat Box!

@Joe Williams, I will put a list of all the music on our facebook site very soon.

@Louise, He added garlic yoghurt, tahini paste, olive oil, tomato flesh, lemon juice and walnuts. Enjoy!
54. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 30 December, 2011 10:11
There has been a lot of people asking what music was played during Jerusalem on a plate. Here is the list.
Balkan beet box with; Gross, Joro Boro, Smatron, Gypsy queens, Balcumbia, Baharim.
Shantel with Fige ki ase.
It also featured music from Tristin Norwell.
55. Graham Lubin said, on 01 January, 2012 10:40
Just in jtown..

Zalatimos was excellent but they charge twenty sheks to see the column.
56. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 03 January, 2012 09:22
@Graham, I guess they need to make a living somehow.
57. Matt Perera said, on 04 January, 2012 09:49
Dear Yotam,

Congratulations! Jerusalem on a plate was brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Although I'm not Middle Eastern I grew up in the Middle East just like you and was exposed to alot of the 'hidden jems' of Middle Eastern culinary delights especially from the regions of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Iran. The programme was informative, touristy, nostalgic (to me especially) and most of all a respite from negative images of Palestine and Israel that are usually shown by the media. It's nice to know that Israelis and Palestinians have a common ground ...food or rather Falafel!

I hope you will be teaming up with the BBC to make another programme about food from the region.

Best Wishes,

Matt
58. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 04 January, 2012 12:35
@Matt, thank you! There are lots of requests for more shows, let's see what happens...
59. Dani Kinrot said, on 05 January, 2012 05:07
Daniel Kinrot Dear Yotam. Enjoyed the program a lot, meod meod. If I am not mistaken there was a peace of music played by Boom Pam.
60. Elizabeth Langlands said, on 06 January, 2012 10:10
Well Done Yotam!

Such a fantastic programme, I felt i walking in Jerusalem with you, i loved it....I want to make Hummus!!. I hope you aregiven the oppotunity to film more in Israel. My husband & myself only ever experienced very briefly Jerusalem, & I have always wanted to go back & experience more!!. This programme, just for a short while took me back & I loved every second of it.
Best Wishes for any future ventures
Elizabeth
61. Frank Davidson said, on 07 January, 2012 14:01
Aargh, only about an hour to watch this again on iPlayer and try to note the recipes. Great programme, with a positive view of Yerushalayim watched it several times already, can I see it again on DVD or get it electronically?
I'll look out for the book in Steimatzky's and try out the Kengsington restaurant when I next visit London.
62. Frank Davidson said, on 09 January, 2012 02:29
Some of the dishes and ingredients featured or mentioned in he programme that I managed to note down.
Baba Ganoush
Chrain (horseradish sauce)
Falafel
Hamin /Chamin
Hummus
Kanafeh (thin pastry with sheep's cheese filling)
Kranz Cake
Kibbeh Batata
Kibbeh neir (?)
Kollage (?)
Leek and beetrot salad with (?)dressing
Malabi (cold cornstarch / rosewater pudding)
Maftoul
Safina (?)
Za,atar (spice mix)
Zhoug /Sehug (Yemenite spice)
63. rob mylifeisacid said, on 09 January, 2012 07:26
Hello everybody, we are Ottolenghi's french fanclub ;-) and we are so desperate to see Jerusalem In A Plate. Someone recorded it ? We would die to see it by divx, dvd or even VHS. Please Please Please. Cheers. R.
64. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 09 January, 2012 10:44
@Frank, @Rob, You will definitely get to see it. There will be a new link to the documentary on our website in the next few days, I will tweet and FB it too.
65. Barney said, on 13 January, 2012 20:36
I see quite a few calls for recipes. There is always the classic Claudia Roden - "Book of Middle Eastern Food" and then her later "Book of Jewish Food" 1997 Viking/Penguin. You'll find a Baba Ganoush in both. A word of warning with Claudia - use your experience and instinct with quantities and cooking times to correct if it feels wrong as they can be a bit flaky.

Can I put in a good word for Dukkah! - a simple spice mix to dip your pitta after dunking in olive oil. I even had it in the Australian outback near Ayers Rock with aboriginal wakalpuka seeds as an extra spice seed!
66. Sarah b said, on 22 January, 2012 19:01
Can you poss tell me if/when Jerusalem on a Plate will be back on iPlayer? It looks like its expired.... Thanks!
67. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 23 January, 2012 09:29
@Sarah, we are trying to arrange this at the moment. As soon as I know where it can be seen I will post it in this blog.
68. Matilda said, on 23 January, 2012 17:32
Unparalleled accuracy, unequivocal clarity, and udnenbaile importance!
69. Ann Farr said, on 28 January, 2012 10:40
Taking a group to Jerusaelm and wwnt them to watch Jerusaelm on a Palte - but can't find it to watch anywhere.
Is it available please?
70. Rayna said, on 28 January, 2012 20:49
Shalom Yotam

My teengae daughter and I are huge fans and often dine at your cool place in Noting hill, we missed your tv series Jerusalem on a plate while on holiday in.. jerusalem
Can you please advise how can we watch the programme online? we tried bbciplayer but no success..any other way? we simply can't miss this one!

Good luck with your new book and Thanks for bringing the taste of home to
london!
71. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 13 February, 2012 13:26
@Ann, @Rayna,

You can go to this link:

http://vimeo.com/35566862

and us this password:

zkeofilms01

Enjoy!
72. Joe said, on 13 March, 2012 06:02
Hi Yotam, Having a nightmare trying to get details on Madja restaurant... heading to Jerusalem in the beginning of May and trying to get hold of the details to book it... Looks stunning! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF POSS!
Best,

Joe
73. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 19 March, 2012 09:27
@Joe, Majda restaurant is located in a beautiful arab village in the judean hills. the restaurant is in ein rafa ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ein_Rafa ). it's a tiny village. if you get there, you will see signs and people will know.
74. Lawrence Glyn said, on 29 March, 2012 12:25
I was so impressed by your programme on Jerusalem, really amazing. So much so, that, not only have I cooked quite a few of the dishes, yummy!, but as it happens, I am one member of an interfaith group of Jewish and Muslim members living in Leeds who have come together over the last 2 years and who a preparing to go on a Learning Journey to Israel and the West Bank together in October 2012. There is much to celebrate in our new joint community and we look forward to sharing our experiences at some point in the future. Currently we are at planning stages and you and your programme inspired me so much that I am very keen to make sure that we don't miss specific opportunities - I am very keen to make sure that when we eat, we eat at places that can also educate us, inspire us and invigorate us. You went to a couple of places in the programme, eg the one in a village outside Jusalem, owned by a mixed couple - where exactly was that restaurant, and are there others that you know of too? I really look forward to hearing from you v soon, hoping of course that you do look at these comments still. And if you have any advice for us as a group, please also lt me know. Thank you, and in awe! Lawrence Glyn
75. Yotam Ottolenghi said, on 03 April, 2012 08:01
@Lawrence, thank you. The restaurant you are referring to is Majda restaurant, it is located in a beautiful arab village in the judean hills. the restaurant is in ein rafa ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ein_Rafa ). it's a tiny village. if you get there, you will see signs and people will know
76. sanni aurich said, on 06 August, 2012 18:58
dear yotam, i have to tell you again what inspiration you are.
i just moved from germany to asheville, north carolina and your books followed , it took a little but now i m back cooking your stuff.
or at least taking you as i said as inspiration, i just took your sobanoodles with eggplant and mango as an example, made the dressing,took little, local very light purple and hard eggplants, and somen noodles instead of soba, my friend does not like mango but i put purple spring onions in and alfalfa sprouts... no cilantro but parsley... i hope you don't think i butcher your stuff too much , it always comes out zoo good, i love your style...
all the best with your new book( already preordered!)
sanni
77. Yotam said, on 17 August, 2012 05:03
@Sanni, thank you! I am happy to be helping you create in the kitchen. It sounds fantastic. Enjoy your new surroundings.
78. Pisco said, on 04 October, 2012 21:02
Never having previously heard of you, I stumbled across your program on Cathay Pacific while flying SFO/HKG, and my mouth was watering, just having been in Jerusalem in March. When I opened my email from Camino Restaurant in Oakland today and saw that you will be visiting soon, we signed up within minutes. Seriously looking forward to what you will be preparing in one of my favo(u)rite restaurants!
79. Alex Goonesinghe said, on 13 November, 2012 18:50
Just watching the program now - really took me back to the smell of the markets and wonderful food I ate. I think I might have time come to London if some of this food is on your menu or even just because it is obviously inspiring you! Thanks for the nostalgia
80. Helen said, on 14 November, 2012 15:26
Switched on last night - should have been an early night but was mesmerised from start to finish. I just loved the way the show was produced. The fascinating eclectic mix of people and their backgrounds, the history and the stories, the family life and the difficulties faced by different beliefs,but we can all live together peacefully. Makes me want to pack my bags again to do more travelling. Oh and of course the food .... I have even been checking to see if you have put a cookbook together! lol. MUST catch up....
Brilliant - Thank you
81. Yotam said, on 15 November, 2012 09:56
@Alex, we hope you get to visit us in London soon!

@Helen, Thank you! I worked with a great crew from Keo productions, they did a wonderful job, and it was such a joy filming in Jerusalem.
82. Paul H said, on 16 November, 2012 15:32
After watching your show last night on Jerusalem food I managed to score pomegranate molasses, za'atar and bulgar wheat from my local Asda (in Radcliffe, Lancs!). No swiss chard though, so I made a choice to go with spinach rather than spring greens (and I will add the spinach very late), in order to try to make that home-cooked dish you showed.
83. Peter said, on 17 November, 2012 11:30
Delighted to watch your show about Jerusalem at the beginning of the week - and liked your closing thought that food could perhaps bring the Israelis and Palestinians together. Next day the IDF machined-gunned a 13year old boy from their helicopter, the rockets started up in reply, and that was followed by extra-judicial murder of a Palestinian leader. And the whole things sweeps out of control. Food becomes an irrelevance - except that the Palestinians will be fighting to find any, if the IDF goes in.
84. Simone Fields said, on 13 December, 2012 12:37
Can you tell me if there is going to be a repeat showing of ' Jerusalem on a plate' on TV.
I really want to see it again. I hope it hasn't been on and I've missed it.

Thanks

Simone
85. Anna said, on 17 December, 2012 05:36
Is there any way to watch 'Jerusalem on a Plate' in Australia?
86. Oliver said, on 19 December, 2012 13:00
Loving the show Yotam. The food throughout every programme looks so natural and fresh. In fact, Its making me want to travel!!! Will you be making a DVD of the series? I hope so.. Would have made a great Christmas gift! I'm off to NY in January, I was hoping I could have shown some of your programmes to some friends. I bought two copies of Jerusalem instead and we're going to get cooking! Keep up the good work,

All the best,
Oliver

ps Which one of your is restaurants in London your favourite?
87. Yotam said, on 21 December, 2012 08:37
@Simone, It has aired a few times but I haven't been told if it will be on again.
@Anna, one of the Australian channels needs to pay for the rights to broadcast it..
@Oliver, Yes it would have been a good Christmas gift, but unfortunately no DVD's made yet.
How can I choose between my restaurants..
88. Jeremy Shaw said, on 26 December, 2012 03:06
We're visiting Jerusalem at the moment, and inspired by Yotam's programme, we have eaten at several of the places featured. We stumbled upon Zalatimo yesterday, and the pastries were incredible - so simple, yet unforgettable. Today we're going to Jaffa, where we're hoping to continue our culinary exploration. Then it's back to Jerusalem for a trip to Machane Yehuda. Thanks Yotam..
89. georgia said, on 23 February, 2013 00:06
loved it.
is it available on video?
90. Jeff Mueller said, on 28 February, 2013 20:44
Your show has just been broadcast in Australia. Thankyou for showing Israel in a more complex light than is usual here. Your home visit with the Palestinian family you met at Zalatimo was very moving.

What is the green herb - I thought you called it zaatar, (flooded out by the spice mixture on the 'web) but if you had a botanical name, that would be great. I live somewhere witha climate that would suit anything grown in Israel, and would love to grow it.
91. boefball said, on 09 March, 2013 09:13
Zalatimo pastry “Wow. I really never had anything like that. Never. You cannot recreate this.”

You really should get out more. Comment 38 by Murni - so polite. The whole of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and probably half of India/Pakistan eat (a variation) of this.

You might want to revise your 'You cannot recreate this' comment. I assume you are referring to the thiness of the pastry, if so, have a look at some roti prata/canai tossing (same pastry without the filling)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leRrEhI1nTA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gepRqwJx1Lw
92. Ethel said, on 09 March, 2013 16:50
Yotam,
I loved your series on Channel 4!! I am going to try lots of new recipes. You gave me great ideas and I learned about so many different ingredients in those programmes. Thank you!
93. Yotam said, on 15 March, 2013 07:11
@Jeremy, @Ethel, Thank you!
@Georgia, No DVD has been made in the UK.
@Jeff, Za'atar leaves are commonly called Hyssop in English. But some say Ezov. Not aware of the botanical name.
@Boefball, I have tried Roti in my travels but until now I have not seen it as thin as the Zalatimo pastry.