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Friday May 27, 2005

Shorts: Israel in the Gardens

Opera star to sing in five languages

Yevgeni Shapovalov, a Soviet-born Israeli tenor and featured performer with Israel’s premier opera company, will sing on the main stage at “Israel in the Gardens.”

Shapovalov, who sang for Russian President Vladimir Putin on his trip to Israel, will perform numbers in Hebrew, Russian, English and Yiddish.

The opera singer will precede the Israeli rock band Mashina.

Following the musical performances, a dance party featuring the musical stylings of Israeli DJ Asaf Amdurski will kick off at 5 p.m. within walking distance of the festival at 55 Harrison St. Partygoers will have the chance to test their mettle in a karaoke contest or just dance until 10 p.m. to Israeli and world beats.

Larger culinary spread this year

Eating should be easier at this year’s “Israel in the Gardens.”

At least eight food vendors serving everything from falafel to frozen treats offer more choices than in the past. Participating vendors will provide certified kosher and Israeli-style eats, along with snacks and treats for kids and adults alike.

Event Director Caron Tabb recognizes the need for having more food options.

“We know that lines are always long, so there’s a bigger variety this year, with vendors spread out to accommodate a larger crowd,” she says. Each booth or cart clearly mark certified kosher as well as non-kosher foods, and attendees can find them on the park’s second tier and around its perimeter.

“There’s no open fire and no grilling at Yerba Buena, so it’s a challenge in terms of recruiting vendors, but we’ve overcome that obstacle this year,” says Tabb. One outdoor booth, Jillian’s, will serve grilled food prepared at their restaurant in the nearby Metreon; Jillian’s is not kosher.

Kosher food-service providers include: Sabra Grill and Oakland Kosher, both serving falafel and other Israeli- and Mediterranean-style items; Grand Bakery, serving knishes, pastries, quiches, bourekas and “kid’s stuff”; Izzy’s Bagels; and Raful’s Frozen Treats.

Other food-service providers: Nob Hill Pizza, Moe’s Hot Dogs and Jillian’s, whose grilled food includes sandwiches, meats and kids’ meals.

Federation raffling off Israel trip

One lucky man or woman who attends “Israel in the Gardens” will be able to enjoy the gardens of Israel quite literally.

The S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation and the Israel Center are raffling off a weeklong trip to Israel and a paid round-trip ticket from New York.

The raffle is free for all festivalgoers.

ISRAEL IN THE GARDENS

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