Hummus. Not just for snacking anymore.

Most Americans know that Hummus is a ubiquitous middle eastern snack, and some even know that it's something of a national obsession in Israel (just ask The Zohan). But it may come as a surprise to many that Hummus, in it's full incarnation is not a snack at all, but a meal in itself.

Tomorrow is Simchat Torah , the final and least important day of the gratuitous Jewish holiday season. For (literally) the 10th and last time this month, my client will be shut down tomorrow. And in Jewish fashion, today, the day before this minor holiday, it's a half day. Actually the whole last week was half-days. Today was more of a quarter-day. Which means that in addition to the growing frustration of not being able to schedule any meetings, the (excellent) cafeteria was closed and there was no fresh mint in the mini-kitchen for me to make my tea with.

Lest you should feel sorry for me, allow me to say that this religious slow down of work provided me with a pre-text for crossing the highway from my office to one of Israel's many Hummus restaurants. The small strip mall eatery was simplicity itself. No menu. Only one display counter, behind which was nothing more than a few toppings and a large vat of, yes, hummus. The attendant skillfully served up plates of the stuff, artfully smoothing it into the contours of the dish. He sprinkled the customers choice of toppings and handed it over for about $4. Mine had everything: garbanzo beans, tahini, onions, parsely and a boiled egg.

The result is below. Delicous!

And this is just a local joint. The mother-of-all-hummus-restaurants, Abu Hassan is in Jaffo. I have long since heard of this pilgramage site, but have been unable to sample its product due to the fact that it is so popular that it runs out by about 11 in the morning. Re-invigorated, I plan to redouble my efforts and report back.