On your way to or from the Dead Sea, we recommend a side trip to the Moshe Castel Museum of Art in Ma'aleh Adumim.
The museum houses the artwork of Israeli artist, Moshe Castel (1909-1991), a very nice café, gift shop, meeting rooms, and event venue.
On the day I visited with friends, we spent a short time viewing the art collection, which is lovely - a blending of several Parisian styles coupled with a distinctly Israeli flavor. We toured the building which was designed by Israeli architect, David Resnik, and overlooks the desert landscape. Then, stopped at the gift shop where I bought some beautiful branded coffee mugs and others gifts for family and friends in America. And, finally, we had lunch in the café.
Lunch was excellent! My friends shared a "2-fer Israeli breakfast" that included eggs cooked to order, salads, four kinds of cheese, olives, juice, and a hot beverage. I asked about gluten-free options and was delighted that the manager and server were both familiar with the gluten issue and quickly told me which menu items would be okay. I chose a Greek salad - a mountain of fresh greens, sweet tomatoes, feta cheese, and black olives with a light olive oil/lemon dressing on the side.
The menu had a good selection (deserts looked yummy) and our server very graciously translated into English and answered all of our questions. The café is small, has a soothing atmosphere (as does the whole building) and a gorgeous view looking west toward Jerusalem. All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon. I can't wait to return!
The museum is available for meetings, weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc. with both indoor and outdoor meeting areas. Truly, a treasure in the desert!
The city of Ma'aleh Adumim is a short hop off of the highway on the way to the Dead Sea. The turn-off is well marked. (See driving directions.)
Background about the museum at JerusalemPost.com.
by Sue Schoenfeld
Lunch was excellent! My friends shared a "2-fer Israeli breakfast" that included eggs cooked to order, salads, four kinds of cheese, olives, juice, and a hot beverage. I asked about gluten-free options and was delighted that the manager and server were both familiar with the gluten issue and quickly told me which menu items would be okay. I chose a Greek salad - a mountain of fresh greens, sweet tomatoes, feta cheese, and black olives with a light olive oil/lemon dressing on the side.
The menu had a good selection (deserts looked yummy) and our server very graciously translated into English and answered all of our questions. The café is small, has a soothing atmosphere (as does the whole building) and a gorgeous view looking west toward Jerusalem. All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon. I can't wait to return!
The museum is available for meetings, weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc. with both indoor and outdoor meeting areas. Truly, a treasure in the desert!
The city of Ma'aleh Adumim is a short hop off of the highway on the way to the Dead Sea. The turn-off is well marked. (See driving directions.)
Background about the museum at JerusalemPost.com.
by Sue Schoenfeld
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