Dear Eric and Naomi,
We are still basking in the glow of our wonderful experience in
Tuscany--everything was superb and carried out to the last
detail--from making havdalah in the 'piazza' in Lucca to all of the
delicious scrumptious food that we were able to cook ourselves
(David says he liked it so much even though he 'flunked' the
course)--we came home looking at garlic, tomatoes and olive oil in a
new light!
Thank you!
Lynnie Mirvis
First let me tell you how much Marilyn and I enjoyed our six days
with you, Naomi and your wonderful staff in and around Lucca. Thank
you very much.
We would certainly be strong candidates for Amalfi etc as well as
any other cooking courses that you might hold.
Meanwhile, best regards,
Monty Hilkowitz
Lucca May 2008
Sorry this is so late but - it is never too late to say thank you!
I really enjoyed my time in Toscana, the company was nice, the food
great, the tiyulim marvelous and I felt that every moment of my time
was fully utilized. Eric, you are a marvelous guide and your stories
are amazing - it is obvious how much you love Toscana ( and
Judaism!) and you vibrate with feeling when talking about these
marvelous places that we visited.
Although we saw less of you Naomi, you were always there when
needed, and again the cooking lessons were wonderful and some of the
recipes are already being used in my family who adore them. Your
organizational skills were tiptop! All in all I thoroughly
enjoyed myself.
If your Amalfi trial was as successful as this one well – I will
come to Amalfi next time – let me know!
Wishing you both much success with future trips - you are doing a
great job..
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Same'ach.
Janet Kiesari
Lucca May 2008
Hi Eric,
Thanks for the itinerary - it actually came in very useful as Dinah
and I were getting together last night to figure out where we were
in all the pictures - being 50 and all the mind doesn't remember :).
Just wanted to thank you again for a great trip - all our friends
know about what a wonderful time we had. I'm sure that within a year
or so we will be joining you for another tour - I would love to just
put together a small group of us again.
Thank you also for the Shabbos food - my kids loved the special
treat of not having to cook for me!!
"Big" Janet (Feld) NY Feb '08
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Thanks for everything. We all had a fabulous time. Hadassah and I
have not stopped making Italian dishes - in fact it is our 'theme'
for Purim this year!? We hope to join you again soon.
Vanessa Marks Manchester UK Feb '08
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Hi Naomi (and Eric)
I had such a wonderful time in Tuscany last November (I was with the
Keren Or women's group) that I'd like nothing more than to go back
and see some new sights AND go to Israel, BUT----- I just can't do
it at this time. Just wanted to write and let you know that
I've been making some of the recipes we did in cooking class and my
friends are asking for the recipes, so I must have done something
right.
Regards,
Sandy Farrell Nov '07
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Dear Eric and Naomi,
I had to tell you what a fabulous time that I had on the trip to
Tuscany with you and Keren Or. Every minute was fun,
enjoyable, meaningful, well-planned and executed, and an absolute
ball!
Thank you again for all the time, effort, energy, and expertise that
you devoted to making this trip so memorable for all of us.
My sister and I are already looking forward to next year's trip.
With much appreciation,
Bobbee Feiner USA Nov '07
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Ciao Eric,
We returned last night and I can't stop thinking of everything we
did the last five days in Tuscany. I know you're in the States now
but I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful, memorable
experience you gave me.
I will never forget the rolling hills of Tuscany or the incredible
feeling I had hiking up to the villages. Even though some may
not have appreciated your tough outside exterior, I thought you were
so great!
Be well
Sharon Fogel (the curly one) from New York Nov '07
Shalom Naomi and Eric.
Since our unbelievable trip to Italy last spring I have been meaning
to write you.
I wanted to express my thanks for the gracious hospitality, great
meals and all the other "dolce vita" items that you bestowed on us.
Every time I see 1 of your e-mails I can't help but remember our
idyllic time in Tuscany and smile.
Even though we only spent a few days together we consider you as
"old" friends and think very fondly of both of you.
We are now planning another trip to Italy after Pesach and hope that
we will be able to rekindle our relationship with you.
David J Zukor MD FRCSC
Chief Department Orthopedic Surgery
SMBD-Jewish General Hospital
Associate Professor Surgery McGill University
Montreal Canada
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Hi Naomi and Eric-
Thank you very, very much for a fantastic week. We had an absolute
ball, and we look forward to doing it again.
The group was the perfect size and very "simpatico".
Best regards,
Alex S Hornstein, Allantown, PA Aug '07
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Just wanted to tell you that I was so pleased with our trip, and the
feedback has been terrific. It was everything I wanted and
more.
Bonnie Eizikovitz USA Aug '07
#################################
I'm writing to let you know what a great time Rowena, Carol and I
had in Tuscany. Every detail was absolute perfection...the
villa we stayed in, the daily trips, the delicious food, the cordon
bleu cooking classes, the biking and, as a bonus, your wicked sense
of humor.
Thank you for making our trip a memory we will cherish.
Regards,
Gloria Levenfus NY April '07
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Getting great reports from ultra-fussy relatives. Any chance of
Barbara and me booking for a week from 2 August.
David Cohen London Aug '07
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I would like to write a recommendation for the tour which you are
free to use for your publicity.
I have to add that accomplishing that walk from Vernazza to
Corniglia was the hardest physical challenge I have had in my life
(I was never in the army), especially now with the Parkinson's. The
fact that I did it is one of the highest points of my travel
experience. If it was described as difficult I probably would not
have done it.
Someone took a picture of me on the climb and I proudly show it to
all my friends. It was the kind of shared experience that bonds
people together, as we discussed with the five women we met in
Venice.
Your concern for our welfare and enjoyment was obvious and
outstanding.
Jack Lowenthal NYC Aug '07
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Dear Eric & Naomi,
Tammy and I would like to say thank you for the wonderful time we
had in Italy. We found the villa beautiful, the cuisine delicious
and enjoyed your choices of places to visit. The entire family
enjoyed the Shabbat meals you provided.
Wishing you all the best,
Tammy & Peretz Sontag Jerusalem Nov '06
PS- A special thanks to Yoel and Felicia, who helped to make the
trip so enjoyable
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Dear Eric,
First of all, I would like to thank you very much for the trip.
It was really fantastic to know Italy for the first time in your
company. Your intenseness was astonishing and, I think, contagious
for the whole group.
The organization was 100% and the people involved were 200%. In so
short time we managed to do so much, meet nice people, eat well and
enjoy the tastes of Tuscany. It was really an eye opener for me, and
I am sure it will have more positive consequences.
Thanks again, and I hope we see each other in Smachot.
Regards,
Michel Abadi, Ra'anana Nov '06
********************************************
From: Caroline Landau
To: Naomi
I was just telling my children tonight, as they ate a yummy
minestrone Tuscan style, how much I loved my week away.
I met people some lovely people, saw beautiful places
that brought back many childhood memories, learnt fabulous new
ways to cook and even got to go shopping!!!
Really, the thanks should go to both you and Eric. Your enthusiasm,
energy and planning made for a wonderful trip.
Thank you. I look forward to the next occasion.
Love
Caroline Nov '06
Just to repeat what I said in person, the trip was fabulous. Really.
Your love and enthusiasm for this project was contagious. Taking
care of the smallest (and largest) needs for us, you always made us
feel like your guests, for all 5 days. I am happy to wax poetic
about it to anyone who wants to listen!
The final classy touch was the food sent to our door erev Shabbat.
Just as Avraham promised bread but delivered a banquet to the 3
angels this past Shabbat, you promised a 3 course meal and sent 4+.
As far as our trust was concerned, it was well placed!
Hope you're getting some well-deserved rest this week.
Ricki Bernstein Jerusalem Nov '06
*********************************
I can only reiterate what I said in Italy - Thanks for an amazing
experience.
I would definitely do it again. I would, however, recommend more
cooking classes and cooking/food related outings. The classes were
informative, fun and a great way to learn about the regional
cuisine.
BTW, I thought I lost an earring in my room and phoned the hotel to
request they look for it. I left a message yesterday and today
someone returned my call. She was gracious and apologized for being
unable to find it. I did find it in my boot box.
Thanks again and may all your efforts be thusly blessed.
Mindy Ribner Har Nof Nov '06
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Hi Eric and Nomi,
Thank you for sharing this story with us. It is very moving.
The telling of this story and other additional information you
provided enriched our visit in Italy. I especially found it
fascinating listening to Abramo tell about his life and his family's
customs and traditions. He MUST write an article or book on
the subject.
If this is not possible I suggested that he dictate his family
history to someone who in turn would put it in writing.
I had a wonderful time and very much enjoyed myself in Tuscany.
Thank you for providing me with this opportunity. The
attention you paid to many of the details was quite apparent and
greatly appreciated. Everyone on the staff was very pleasant
and helpful.
And yes, you can feel free to quote this e-mail.
Take care.
Sandy Lazowick Jerusalem Nov'06
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Dear Naomi and Eric,
Just a side note - over the chag I made a few recipes from our trip
- all a big hit!
I hope you are making plans for our summer trip -
All the best,
Susan Sklarin NJ Aug '07
Hello Eric and team:
We want to thank you for such a special evening. I had a vision of how I wanted the party, and Eric, you helped me realize it perfectly. By worrying about all of the details, I didn't have to, and you created exactly what I wanted. My friends and family are still raving about the food, and I am very happy with how everything turned out.
Kol hakavod to you and your team! Thanks, Sarah
Sarah Jane Ross
Naomi,
Thank you so much for all of your help. We were thrilled. People are still talking about your food.
Robert M Frohlinger
Dear Naomi and Eric,
My name is Roberta Bernstein. You catered my son's brit on Hoshana Raba in the Sukkah at the Zionist Confederation House, one of your last events there 10 years ago. Ever since then we have been big fans of yours. Recently we ordered a major order from you on Pesach last year and now for Rosh Hashana we ordered a bunch of items. I just wanted to let you know that both times it was FABULOUS as always. All was very very delicious, so well organized, so nicely and conveniently packed up and all around a pleasure. You made my life so much easier and enabled me to host much more company than I normally would have had time for with a hectic work schedule. I was priviledged to be given a gift voucher which I used as well.. I mentioned it to many friends and everyone thought it was a great idea for a gift so maybe you will get some more orders from it as well.
Keep up the great work. May it be a wonderful successful healthy and happy new year for you and your family.
We are all so very busy in life but I thought it was important to take a few minutes out to give you the positive feedback. I know how hard you work and why not get some compliments to cheer you? You deserve it!!!!
All the best,
Roberta Bernstein
Ramot
Dear Naomi and Eric
Now that elimeir's bar mitzvah has passed & we have slowly drifted back down from the clouds we wanted to formally express our gratitude to you & your staff for an outstanding job in catering elimeir's bar mitzvah at migdal david.
Despite the fact that we had chosen a difficult venue for our celebration, you outdid yourselves in setting up a magnificent arrangement of tables & buffets serving beautifully presented and mouth watering culinary delights!
In addition, your innovative suggestions & delightful sense of humor made it a great pleasure to work together in planning our event, both on a professional level as well as personal level.
Wishing you continued success in keeping Naomi the number one choice for quality & service in catering in Jerusalem!
Rivka Reena & Michael Maltz
June 2004
Hi Naomi
First of all thank you so much for a wonderful buffet, so well executed with an air of calm and professionalism. Apologies for messing around with the "order of business" at the beginning of the lunch - your response was seamless.
We had so many comments about how well everything ran and how excellent the food was. Could not have been more perfect from our perspective. Just the little touches, like clearing away the coffee & cake table and keeping back a number of birconim in the box (plus the other things we didn't notice) enabled Janice and me to really relax and enjoy the day.
Naomi - thanks again for making our simcha so special. We'll gladly recommend you and look forward to working with you again when hopefully we'll make Ruby's Bar Mitzvah in Israel (Aug 2009 PG).
Jonathan
Dear Eric
Thank you for preparing a beautiful and delicious brunch for caroline's bat mitzvah. You and Naomi helped to make the occasion so very special.
The menu was perfect, the smoothies and coffee a nice treat, and the service lovely.
We look forward to working with you again
Daphne Sydney
Dear Eric and Naomi
On behalf of Lema'an Achai, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks for your incredible generosity in providing delectable food for our wonderful charity evening.
We have had rave reviews about your cuisine and could not have offered such a memorable experience to our top donors without your participation.
Your important contribution was a key factor in the success of our event. We thank you tremendously for making it all possible.
Best regards
David Morris Baruch Labinsky
Chairman executive director
I just wanted to thank you for your delicious food. I had a baby 2 days before pesach and I was really worried about the food situation. I knew that cooking was out of the question and I wanted my family to have an enjoyable yom tov. When we saw your menu we were very excited and we hoped it would be good. Everything was delicious and it was packaged so beautifully.
Thank you again for making our pesach so enjoyable and memorable.
Yael Weiser
April 2003
Dear Naomi and Eric,
Thank you again for the lovely evening last week.
We received many compliments about the food and wanted you to know how much we appreciated your efforts and professionalism.
Please forward your account at your earliest convenience so that we can attend to it.
Thanks,
Aryeh Rachlin, Advocate
Ben-Zvi Koren & Co. - Law Offices
Dear Eric
I am writing to thank you for supplying the catering for our opening event.
The event was a big success and I am sure that you noticed everyone having a great time.
I would also like to thank your wonderful staff who were friendly efficient and extremely helpful throughout the evening.
Best regards,
Elana Budwig
Projects and events co-ordinator
The british council
Jerusalem
Febuary 2004