Where are we going?
In the eastern part of the Modi'in region, in a pastoral spot overlooking a pine forest and the settlement of Lapid, lies a modest and beautiful food track called "Three in the Cafe". Around it are pleasant seating areas under pergolas and umbrellas, various species of young trees and herbs such as sage from which oval blossoms emerge, and also some vines that were planted only recently. This coffee cart was founded by three smiling good friends in their early fifties - Tammy Harel, Sharon Bar Dayan and Hagit Eugeni. All three of them used to live in Lapid, so they knew each other and still live in the area to this day. They decided to set up the cart in an instant - in a kind of mischief, which became a turning point in their lives. "When we got to this place, we turned on it. The landscape here is crazy and there's a quiet thing here," says Bar Dayan, adding: "We broke down the wilderness. Apart from the flowering sage that is here, we planted the trees and the vine that will be caught."
A glimpse of the food track "Three in the Cafe"
What do we eat?
"Our slogan is quality, simplicity, health and nature," says Harel, explaining: "It guides us from the dishes we serve, through the plates to the overall visibility." This slogan is indeed reflected in the dishes and drinks served here. Alongside original refreshing tea infusions with lots of ice - one of verbena and mint to which lemon geranium, apple, lemongrass and ginger were added. The other is based on hibiscus - we enjoyed eating a cool acai bowl with fresh fruit, granola, coconut, chia and silan which was sour, sweet and perfect for the hot day we arrived at the place.
Table at Food Track, Photo: Hila Dudal
After that, we also ate a "closing a corner" salad - "because sometimes we're not really hungry and we just feel like closing a corner, but not really eating," Harel explained to us. It had a mix of fresh vegetables like sherry, bell peppers and radishes, wrapped in fine olive oil with olives and pickled lemon. Sheep cheese and grissini were placed on top. We also tasted a "heaping croissant" that contained a spread of dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, lots of arugula leaves and Gouda cheese, which you put in the Salamander for a few moments so that the cheese melts and you eat when it's really, really hot.
Cold acai bowl and chilled infusions, photo: Hila Dudal
The coffee served here is "Dada Cafe" carefully chosen, but you can also find natural or carbonated drinks from the brand "Grouper" created by actor Ofer Shechter. Among other things, you will find on the menu a variety of pastries and cookies, interesting sandwiches and salads. "We choose the best from everywhere and the combinations of sandwiches, infusions and pastries are from our feverish minds," says Bar Dayan, pointing to a white drink with cucumbers and says that "we invented this drink, for example, after Sharon suddenly poured yogurt into a glass and added ice. She started curling cucumbers with a peeler and I could already see where it was going. We posted a poll on Instagram and asked followers: 'Which grapes would you like to add, red, green or not at all?' Thus a new drink was born. It's also served with olive oil, mint, spices and grissini - so you can mix. The menu also includes options for gluten avoiders and vegans.
Try a "packed croissant", photo: Hila Dudal
Where to travel?
Not just Ben Shemen Forest. There are many attractions in the area that are worth visiting. For example, the tourist site of Kfar Hasmonean and the charming Mitzpe Nathan, located in the eastern hills of Modiin, where there is a large wooden swing located right in front of the view. Anava Park, the central park in Modiin-Maccabim-Reut and the first smart park in Israel, is also a short drive from the food track. On Titora Hill, which is nearby, you will find views of the Jerusalem Mountains, archaeological remains, fauna and seasonal blooms.
Overlooking a pine forest, photo: Hila Dudal
Travel Diary
"She's guilty," Tammy Harel begins, pointing to her friend Sharon Bar Dayan. Bar Dayan giggles. "A year ago we sat like that in the most 'other' vibe there is. Under a jade shed in Kfar Ruth, not far from here," Harel continues, and Bar Dayan adds: "I said: 'What a beautiful place to open a café. What do you say?' and that's how it started. Hagit was enthusiastic, Tammy said: 'I love crazy ideas.' Harel: "And it turned out that a year after this gig that Sharon conceived, we are here today with a coffee cart. It's been running for three months."
What did you do until then?
Bar Dayan: "Until the wagon, I worked in the management of an international pharmaceutical company in Israel. Tami is a former high-tech professional, who converted to interior design and training at Yad Vashem, and Hagit is engaged in teaching."
You left your previous career...
"That's right, and for me it's 'wow.' I'm at my peak."
Right: Tammy, Hagit and Sharon, photo: Eran Harel
"Three at the Cafe" near the settlement of Lapid (three at Cafe in Waze)
Opening times: Wednesday and Thursday 8:00-13:30, Friday 8:30-15:00, Saturday 8:30-19:00
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us