Rachel Ba S’dera

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A kibbutz feel lunch spot in the middle of the road, full of freshness, flavor and fondness.

Israel has a magical way of romanticizing the rustic and dusty. Of course, we tourists love to stay at the in posh hotels and sip Diet Coke with cups full of ice on the balcony of the King David, overlooking the Old City. Yet, at the same time, we soak up the kibbutz-feel of yesterday-year when we wore triangulated hats and sat in dusty chairs that absorb seasons of elements along with fresh fruits and veggies picked by our sisters and brothers. This reminds us that there was a time when we worked with our hands, thinks were less simple, and it was good.

Rachel BaSedera is a throw back to that rustic, kibbutz like time with a newer age meal that is fresh and fantastic.  

Located on the center median of Ramban Street in the Rechavya neighborhood of Jerusalem, sits a small hut like fixture, not much larger than Fotomat that you would find in the parking lot of a Publix grocery store of long ago. Elongating the space are covered and uncovered Moroccan style seats that have absorbed the rain and dry season and show it and feel it.

Ramban Street is fashioned much like Rothschild in Tel Aviv that has East and West bound traffic with a pedestrian walkway down the middle. Except, in this walkway – about seven years ago - Rachel started her food stand. Adorning the outside, complementing the seating are freshly delivered crates of vegetables that cater to the feel and the country-like experience.

Originally from Baka and with roots in Spain, this single woman whose staff are an extension of her family takes this small postage stamp of space and maximizes every inch. Five people stand shoulder to shoulder and prep for the lunch hour when they are slammed. Almost 75% of their business is WOLT or Tein Bis, (delivery) to the educated eater.  That make sense, since they specialize in salads and sandwiches that are fresh and feisty, with fantastic appeal to the eye and even better appeal to the belly.

I dined with my wife, and she had the salad Nicoise. Though she is little, this portion would have been too much for me. It could easily satisfy 3 people. It came with two thick slices of Texas toast and Rachel’s famous herb butter, that they make on premises. This was EXCELLENT! All of it was tasty, super fresh and plentiful. I had the Anna Karchupa sandwich. I could not decide between it and a few others and when asked what was recommended, they said you will not be disappointed with any of them.

While not something I would usually order, I am glad I moved outside my comfort zone. This sandwich was served on a very crunchy, toasted baguette, with delicious cheeses, vegetables, eggplant, sweet tahini and a touch of kick. It was unique and so satisfying. I, who is much larger than my wife, could not eat more than half, though I wanted to.

We ate this brunch meal at 10:30, which assured we would be held over until dinner.

This is a charming and delicious place to grab lunch with a friend or enjoy a leisurely date and be reminded of the simplicity of our farming roots and the fresh and delicious tastes the fruits of our labor can offer.