Nir Zook's Meal Plan

Photo courtesy Nir Zook

Superstar chef Nir Zook is known for his cookbooks, magazine columns, and TV show, A Chef by Surprise, as much as he is for his mini-empire of French-influenced restaurants in Jaffa. Always opinionated and a great raconteur, the chef tells where he likes to dine on his days off.

"I'd start the day with excellent coffee at Napoleon Patisserie (Kdomim square 15) in Old Jaffa. Then I'd go for a real fatte -- hummus with hot peppers, bread, and meat -- at Haj Kahil (Yefet 93) in Jaffa.

Next, I'd visit the Carmel Market, known as Shuk Ha'Carmel, located in the city's renovated Hatachana complex, and go eat at one of the small Yemenite restaurants nearby. I'd probably order the oxtail soup before doing some shopping for ingredients for home.

In the evening, I like going to one of the restaurants on Oley Zion, the street in the heart of the flea market in Jaffa. I'll sit at the bar and eat and enjoy the authentic Arab food and rotating DJs. If it's a very festive day off, I like going to Mul-Yam (Hangar 24) at the Tel Aviv port, which has the best fish and seafood in town."