Out in Israel: Wine, Beer, and...Nikki Minaj?

They were playing David Bowie when we walked into the rustic hilltop bar at Pavo (peacock in Latin), a brewery near the Israeli town of Zichron Ya'akov. Later there was some Kinks, and that messed up version of "Video Killed the Radio Star," by Nikki Minaj and will.i.am. We sat there admiring the view and the music while a lovely lady brought out pitcher after pitcher of beer made at the local craft beer brewery.

First came a refreshing India Pale Ale, then a frothy, lovely wheat beer, and finally what was called a Tripel, modeled on a Belgian Trappist beer, and exceedingly strong. No matter, drinking at 11 a.m. may be the pleasantest way to burn off the hangover from the night before. And did we mention our brave visit to nearby Tishbi, a winery that makes lush, peppery Shiraz and Malbec (surprise--not all kosher wine tastes like liquified Welch's!)? That was pretty tough, but we tackled it with fortitude.