ISRAEL: TEL AVIV: "CAFE LIKE" SERVES NOTHING BUT PLATES & EMPTY CUPS

(17 Apr 1998) Hebrew/Eng/Nat Tel Aviv "cafe culture" has taken minimalism to a new extreme. One cafe, which seems to miss the point of being a cafe altogether, has started serving nothing but empty cups. On the street where Tel Aviv trendsetters have refined social posing to an art form, a new cafe beats them at their own game. Cafe Ke'ilu, translated as "Cafe Like" in popular Hebrew slang, is just down a block away from the trendy Sheinkin Street's Cafe Kazze or "Cafe As If." The difference is that "Cafe Like" serves its customers nothing but plates and empty mugs. But this doesn't mean ordering food and drink is free. The cafe owners charge 10 shekels (approximately 5 U-S dollars) during the week and 20 shekels on busy Fridays for the privilege of ordering from the would-be menu. Ronen, a regular "customer" supports the view that food is almost irrelevant. SOUNDBITE:(English) "This place is different form other places- it sells atmosphere instead of food." SUPER CAPTION: Ronen, a regular customer. Ironically, for a cafe which does not actually serve any food, a considerable effort was made in the planning of the menu. Delicacies on the menu include courses such as fried octopus in a Calvados sauce and rolls of chocolate with red fruits. The reactions and laughter of the patrons form part of the atmosphere. SOUNDBITE: (English) " I think it is very weird, I have never seen something like this. You come here to eat nothing, you can even come to the waitress and tell her I want more and it seems very stupid." SUPER CAPTION: Roi Geler, passer- by. After two weeks in business, the cafe is already doing well for itself. One couple has already booked it for a minimalist wedding reception. The waitress of the cafe, Meirav, takes her work seriously. She is only too happy to help answer any questions regarding the menu and help in any way she can. SOUNDBITE: (Hebrew) "The place addresses people who find food interesting, people that find the place visually attractive or that like the place's design. SUPER CAPTION: Vox pop, waitress. There is no take-away or delivery however at Cafe Ke'ilu but on their way out customers do receive a jar of caviar. The concept behind the cafe is that people are less interested in coffee and cakes than in meeting up with friends and people-watching. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...