Small Café in Kibbutz Offers Comfort Food and Inspires Artistic Community in Northern Israel

In the scenic region of Alona settlements, characterized by vineyards, deciduous groves, gentle hills, and resilient oak trees, artist Anat Gafni leads the Toscana Art Tour, a creative journey inspired by the area's resemblance to Tuscany. Gafni, who returned to art after a career in design and a personal identity crisis at age 50, organizes tours highlighting local female artists and cultural spaces.

The tour begins at Glikson Café in Kibbutz Glikson, where owner Neriya Feldesh, a former caterer, now personally prepares dishes in a small open kitchen. Guests enjoy homemade spelt pretzels with unique fillings, a vibrant salad called "Joy of Life," and rich brioche cakes that foster warm conversation among participants.

Next, the group visits artist Nirit Oren's home in Givat Ada, where nature seamlessly blends with living space. Oren transforms natural materials like leaves, seeds, and stones into art, emphasizing the inherent beauty of organic elements.

At Givat Nili, Dolav and Leon Elitzur run "Makor HaMelacha," a workshop producing natural beeswax candles. Visitors participate in traditional dipping workshops, experiencing the craft firsthand amid the scent of melting wax.

The final stop is at artist Yarit Buknat's studio in Givat Nili, where she creates hyper-realistic miniature food items from polymer clay. Buknat, who overcame years of discouragement, now exhibits her colorful works in galleries and hotels, bringing joy to all who see them.

This artistic tour not only showcases culinary delights and crafts but also highlights the vibrant creative spirit thriving in northern Israel's rural communities.