What it’s all about
Lilian Café on Hess Street, aptly located near the iconic King David Hotel in Jerusalem, offers delicious food and delightful pastries. This quaint café-bakery is the brainchild of Israeli reserve duty soldier Bar Laros, who was inspired to bring his culinary dreams to life following some introspective moments while serving in Gaza.
Why it matters
Beyond its exquisite offerings, Lilian Café stands as a testament to Israeli resilience and creativity. Bar Laros, motivated by the unpredictability of military life, exemplifies how Israelis transform life’s adversities into opportunities of kindness and community through entrepreneurship. This endeavor also provides a connection to Israeli roots and familial legacy, as it features a touching homage to Bar’s late Tunisian grandmother, Lilian.
The Magic of Lilian’s Menu
The café keeps its menu minimal but masterful with mouth-watering sandwiches, vibrant salads, and signature pastries crafted with brioche as soft and airy as a Jerusalem cloud. Dishes like the refreshing Caesar salad or wheat berry creation showcase flavors reflecting both international cues and local ingredients.
Exceptional Desserts
The star of Lilian Café is undoubtedly its pastries. Whether you indulge in a marzipan and blueberry “brioche sucre” or classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, each piece hints at the unsurpassed craftsmanship backed by responsible Roni from Harim Bakery. Their decedent quality and perfect sweetness level tempt visitors without overwhelming the palate or the waistline.
Culinary Growth
Bar’s vision extends beyond café borders, anticipating the introduction of lovely evenings imbued with wine and planned French-bistro styled dishes, promising a layer of sophistication well-supported by his famed pastry practices.
Details and Accessibility
Lilian Café is open to guests from Monday through Thursday (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and briefly on Fridays (8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.), while closed on Sundays. Diligent customers can enjoy an exceptional dining experience, complete with Kosher certification by Rabbanut Jerusalem.
Lilian encapsulates the spirit of accomplishment and honor, making it a true culinary landmark fueled by warmth and spirit graciously remembered with the love Bar’s grandmother once shared.
This story was first published on jpost.com.