Comments on: Tiberias Restaurant (Meat, Middle-Eastern)

By: jabbett

jabbett — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 14:55:23 +0000

I think it’s gone out of business, judging by how abruptly they closed up. I thought I saw a green construction permit in the window, though, so they could be reconfiguring somehow.

By: Big E

Big E — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 10:04:57 +0000

Anyone know what’s going on at Tiberias? I drove by there yesterday and the place looks boarded up. Has it gone out of business? If so, the obituary reads something like this: good food, nice people, true Israeli atmosphere, bad service. They never did get their act together. Oh well, we still have Rami’s.

By: LeahChaya

LeahChaya — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 12:37:37 +0000

I don’t know – the friend who first informed me of Tiberias rated the falafel “acceptable” (mind you, this is in comparison to “back-of-the-shuk” falafel in Yerushalayim, to quote), and I’d agree – but Rami’s is better. And I guess Rami’s prices have gone up? I thought falafel at Rami’s was $4.50 with chumus – we paid $4.95 at Tiberias.

And the Israeli TV is not always a good thing. My husband and I walked in Saturday night (to take out) and saw ladies in lingerie. . .

By: Brandeisguy

Brandeisguy — Sun, 13 Feb 2005 17:11:11 +0000

Since I came back to school in January, I’ve been to Tiberias at least 5 times, in addition to the time we brought it to Seudah Shlishit. I am impressed that it was good cold, pareve and a day old! However, it is absolutely amazing at the actual restaurant. I’ve now had the felafel, shwarma, grilled chicken, and schnitzel. Everything I have eaten has been better than the previous. The service is wonderful. The people that work there are incredibly friendly and treat students kindly. While occasionally the TV has been a bit loud, it is usually a great place to have a great kosher meat meal and leave very full and happy. Regarding portion size, I always order the plates. More than once I’ve bought an extra pita and had enough food for lunch the next day, too. This is awesome, especially since Sherman leaves a little to be desired.

By: Bostonian

Bostonian — Mon, 17 Jan 2005 14:25:10 +0000

On my most recent visit, there were two changes worth noting. First, the restaurant now accepts credit cards. Second, several new menu items have been added. The ones that I recall are a mixed meat dish, and schnitzel. I have not tried either yet, though I did try the falafel which I found to be quite good.

By: Howie

Howie — Thu, 13 Jan 2005 08:59:49 +0000

Nathan,
I’m not disputing that lamb is tastier than turkey. What I am trying to convey is that you won’t find too many places serving lamb shawarma in a kosher Israeli place. Rami’s also uses turkey shawarma, as do all that I have so far visited around the country. In Israel, I’ve seen places offering beef shawarma as well.

My guess is that lamb is more expensive, so it probably isn’t cost-effective. And, if spiced right, I think most people wouldn’t be able to tell what the meat is after having been cooked so long on the rotisserie, as I’ve known many who have mistaken the turkey for some form of beef.

Bostonian, thanks for understanding my intention and clarifying.

jabbett, nicely edited.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Wed, 12 Jan 2005 04:00:16 +0000

“Now, for those of you complaining about turkey shawarma, get over it.”

To me, that’s the same as saying “for those of you think that fresh, locally brewed ale is good – get over it, ’cause Bud Light is the best selling beer in the country!”

Thanks, but no thanks – more for all those clever modern Israelis, I guess. I’ll stick with Lamb in my shawarma, a “heth” that’s different than a “chof”, we won’t even go into a “waw” instead of a “vav”, and let’s kick back with a nice local brew and be thankful for kosherblog.net.

By: jabbett

jabbett — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 17:53:29 +0000

I maintain my original intention, that Hebrew might be a more effective language with which to communicate while ordering, as it is most likely the preferred tongue of the Israeli staff. Rather than squabble about the intended and perceived tone of my review, I’ve changed the wording of my third paragraph so you might find it more sensitive.

In the future, if any reader is troubled by the nature or tone of any Kosher Blog contribution, he is welcome to e-mail me directly using the contact link above.

By: bostonian

bostonian — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 16:26:49 +0000

Howie-
I apologize once again if I came off as snide. While I am familiar with this sort of hamburger, I(perhaps as an “ugly American”) view hamburgers as an American food, and having nothing to do with Tiberias have long objected to the labelling of what I would consider meat loaf as “hamburger”
Truthfully, I actually like this Israeli style of hamburger, and Tiberias’ was fine. I just have a pet peeve about calling it hamburger. Probably the same way Chinese people feel about American “Chinese” food.

But I think we agree on most points. This is an excellent restaurant with excellent food, and I will continue to patronize it and hope for their continued success.

By: Howie

Howie — Mon, 10 Jan 2005 15:24:30 +0000

To all … I didn’t mean to come off as angry (for the most part … I’ll get to that).

As for Bostonian … the “tone” of your burger comment was, in my estimation, snide, to say the least (“NOT” capitalized; “spiced pile …”; “come on …”), so I decided to respond in kind. First touch of anger.

Second touch of anger. I stand behind my response to your “command of English” comment, jabbett. There’s never any need to take a personal shot at someone trying to make an honest living. If you’re not understood right away, try restating or rephrasing.

As for the “uniqueness” issue, though, that’s something else. You’ll find many restaurants of this kind (Rami’s, Tiberias Grill) in close proximity to one another in many communities in the U.S. where Israelis will settle. It’s a simple tried-and-true business plan copied ad infinitum throughout Israel. Also, there’s something to be said for head-to-head competition, as it will hopefully drive both restaurants to become more creative as time goes on — Rami’s has been in a rut for a long time now since he had been the only player. First, though, is to master the straightforward and keep the menu manageable before becoming adventurous (adventurous can be relegated to daily specials to test the waters). Every time you add another item to the menu, you add more complication for the staff.