Ramat Eshkol, a post-1967 neighborhood in northern Jerusalem in the shadow of the Hebrew University's Mount Scopus campus, may be a nice place to live, but until fairly recently its residents had to head towards the city center if they wanted to eat out. That's changed with the opening of Nina's Bagel Cafe in Ramat Eshkol's main (and only) shopping center on Paran Street, the brainchild of an American immigrant hailing from the distant, sunny shores of California.

Superficially, the menu resembles that of Jerusalem's legion of other kosher dairy cafes, with abundant soups, salads, pastas, fish and pastries, but Nina's adds its namesake bagels (with all the schmears you could ask for) as well as a smattering of other American-style dishes not often found in Israel, including breakfast waffles and nachos.

But wait, that's not all. Nina's is probably the only place in Israel where you can get a Root Beer float and definitely the only place where you can get a "The Jittery Monkey Milkshake." Jerusalemite isn't quite sure what that is, but we are apt to find out. The menu also features an eclectic mix of hot beverages not seen elsewhere such as an Oreo Latte and Cinnamon Spinner Latte. 

In true California style, Nina's also offers numerous fat-free options, a culinary trend that (thankfully?) has not gained much traction on Israeli shores.