I am
starting to regret that I don't live closer to the Modiin settlements.
Quite a number of good kosher restaurants have sprung up in this area
and it is well worth visiting them, even if you do not live in this neck
of the woods.
Our most recent discovery is Beijing restaurant in the quaint commercial
center in Maccabim, just east of the city Modiin. When you are there,
take a few minutes to spin around some of the lovely streets of Maccabim.
This, and in fact all the communities in the Modiin area, are evidence
of the marvelous settlement accomplishments in Israel these past few years.
The Maccabim commercial center, called Renanim, has several restaurants,
and Beijing is one of the finer ones. Beijing is a small restaurant on
a tier a few steps above the street level. The restaurant is nicely decorated
with classical Chinese artwork, parasoles and attractive fans. Sitting
in the warm glow of the gold colored walls and matching tablecloths is
a very pleasant experience indeed.
If I have a criticism of this restaurant it is that it is too small. Indoors,
the restaurant has room for only three large tables for 4, and two small
tables. In good weather there is seating outdoors as well. Since the restaurant
is slightly elevated above the ground level the outdoor seating will be
somewhat isolated from the pedestrian traffic.
Beijing does a lively take out business, with free delivery to most of
the Modiin settlements. Who, I ask, would want to order take away when
you could enjoy the lovely ambience of this delightful restaurant so close
to home? Let me answer that question: The popularity of the take away
attests to the quality of the food. And indeed, it is delicious.
Purists should note that the cuisine at Beijing is not exclusively Chinese.
The chef is actually Thai. It is very common for Chinese restaurants in
Israel to specialize in Thai dishes. In addition, Sushi is available some
of the time, but it is not on the (Chinese) menu.
The menu - in both Hebrew and English - offers a wide selection of dishes.
There is a nice selection of soups, appetizers, noodle, and rice dishes.
Chicken and beef dishes are prepared in any of 20 or so different ways.
In addition there is duck but no fish dishes. Vegetarians will enjoy a
selection from the tofu column. The noodle and tofu dishes are cooked
separately from the meat dishes.
We started our meal with eggrolls. I think there is a law somewhere that
requires meals in Chinese restaurants to always begin with eggrolls. I
have no objection to this rule. Especially these eggrolls, which were
served with 3 different sauces; red sweet sauce, soy sauce and an creative
sweet'n sour sauce the color of apricots. The color, we were told, comes
from yellow peppers.
My companion chose the Lemon chicken for his main course. Out came a boat
shaped dish of crispy batter-fried chicken nuggets with a citrus sauce
of orange and lemons. I made my choice from the tofu menu and I was delighted
with the bean sprout and vegetable dish served with browned tofu cubes.
We also enjoyed the Chop Suey a lovely Chinese noodle dish, delicately
spiced and very tasty. These dishes were served on a warming tray on our
table. All three dishes that we ordered were delicious and filling. The
portions were substantial and there was plenty for us to share all three
dishes ordered.
There are desserts listed on the menu, but darned if you'll need to top
off this meal with yet another treat.
The bill came in at a reasonable NIS 120 including two soft drinks. In
addition to enjoying the restaurant you can enjoy Bejing cuisine take
away or catering.
I recommend Beijing restaurant for most every occasion - even as a good
place to introduce children to the wonders of oriental cooking. Owner
Ran is a very agreeable fella and happy to serve you. If I lived closer
to this restaurant I would eat there so often my eyes would start to slant.
Present the eLuna coupon for meals at the restaurant or when picking up
take out meals. The coupon is not valid for business lunches at the restaurant
or for take away delivered to your home.
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