Sarona Market picnic picks

Basher Fromagerie opened their first store 20 years ago in the Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem. Their immense selection of European cheeses includes both soft and hard cheeses, plus favorites like Le Bleu des Basques (a creamy earthy blue cheese) or the caramel-flavored Geitost cheese (a Norwegian favorite). They have a nice selection of Israeli cheeses and dairy products, too. Next to mounds of fresh butter which sits alongside real truffle butter (plus authentic truffles for a serious treat), you’ll find artisan baguettes, the much sought-after quinoa bulgur sourdough loaf, and all the accoutrements for the complete picnic spread - including a large basket for purchase or borrow.  

How could one resist this delicate French confection, made of a mini sandwich of two melt-in-your-mouth cookies with an oh-so-creamy center? Straight from the streets of Paris, this highly-anticipated speciality dessert shop and café has been the talk of the town. Pick up any of the luxurious layered desserts, the nostalgic Madeleines, handmade chocolates, or the voluptuously creamy eclairs to go. For your picnic, you can get some crusty baguettes or even a slightly sweet version, filled with orange-infused chocolate.  

With an open-kitchen feel, Hiro Freestyle Ramen Bar is the perfect spot to witness the magic of chef Israel Aharoni – one of the most popular chefs in the country. The featured and most sought-after dish is their ramen soup, composed of a warm bowl of intensely infused savory broth, rich pieces of ground meat, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, pickled daikon, sprouts, a soy-marinated soft-boiled egg, a generous heaping of noodles and hints of ginger. This is the perfect comfort food if there ever was one. Hiro also serves up a chicken version and a tofu version as well. Don’t miss the cucumber and chicken salad, made of small pieces of wakame (an edible seaweed), cucumbers, diced chicken, chopped peanuts and a Ponzu dressing, a citrus-based dressing with a light and tart taste. Other popular items are the Gyoza, light dumplings filled with chicken, green onions and shiitake or the bok choy-filled vegetarian version and the fluffy melt-in-your-mouth buns.

Finally, you can get tipsy on the go with these wine-spiked ice pops with flavors like Rosé with lychee and raspberries, Port with cherries and cream, and Chardonnay with pear and pineapple. All pops are made with love and with wines from the boutique family winery Benhaim. This dreamy popsicle stand also has a vast selection of gluten-free artisan treats made from seasonal fruit mixed with fresh herbs, coffee, tahini, cinnamon, and more. Expect the unexpected with flavor-bursting versions like specialty green tea powder Matcha, Vietnamese coffee, and avocado lime. Ask for the special packaging that keeps your treat frozen for up to 90 minutes.  

Step into Tasting Room to get a taste, a glass, or a bottle of a wide selection of different wines from the innovative pouring system lining the walls. They have their own state of the art carrier-type handles for the bottle that simplify wine transport. They also have flexible and unbreakable faux glassware so that you can easily take your vino on-the-go. The staff is very welcoming and ready to offer you your own little wine tour.  

This bustling Bavarian street food joint is the place to get gigantic and flavorful handmade sausages topped with sauerkraut, sauces, and all the fixings. Grab some spicy fries to accompany your meal, thinly-sliced and topped with a picante mix of flavors, or some oversized artisanal pretzels with a hearty crust, soft doughy inside, and melted cheese on top. They also offer a variety of draft beer to wash down those German and Austrian street eats while Kids-sized version of the sausages are available for the little one.  

Located in the lively Sarona Market, Captain Curry features a wide range of delicious curries perfect for a quick, yet filling bite. Don't be surprised by the large portions and spicy aromas, Captain Curry is dedicated to making a big statement with their bold dishes. While the restaurant gets very busy around lunchtime, late afternoon is a perfect time to sample the many different curries on the menu. From spicy to sweet, veggie to meat, Captain Curry will never disappoint.