Until the mid 1800's, shrimps were popular fare only in the Far East, most Westerners considering these crustaceons of the sea inedible. Only in 1860 when they were introduced to the menu of Paris'
Presitigious Cafe Anglais did they begin to attain world-wide popularity and since then shrimps have become an inescapable and delicious part of the good culinary life. You won't go wrong at any of the following restaurants by starting off with the suggested shrimp courses and then following with one or more of the other dishes that are listed.

Bistro Carmel: HaMeginim 20, Haifa. (04) 862-5206. Mon - Sat 12:00 - 16:00 and 19:00 - 23:30. Culinary sophisticated bistro atmosphere. Mushroom salad with shrimps and then on to gazpacho with grouper carpaccio and creme fraiche, chicken breast with dried fruits or veal Bordelaise. Moderate prices.

Hippopotame: Yirmiahu 12. (03) 546-6348. Daily 12:00 - 00:30. A casual Tel Aviv institution, with true bistro cooking. Among best bets are the shrimps and calamari in Bechamel sauce, escargots Bourguignonne, goose liver escalope and entrecote in pepper sauce. Moderate prices.

Moul Yam Tel Aviv port. (03) 546-9920. Daily 12:00 - 16:00 and 19:30 - 23:00. Combining French classicism, American modernism and Mediterranean charm, perhaps the most exciting restaurants in the country. Shrimps with mussel flavored butter and then any dish with langoustines, coquilles St Jacques or lobsters. Superb wine list and excellent service. Expensive.

Picciotto Hameyasdim 41, Zichron-Ya'akov. (06) 629-0646. Mon - Sat 12:30 - 16:00 and 19:00 - 23:00. Warm and eye-appealing. Start with the shrimps in rich saffron-cream sauce and then continue with the goat's cheese souffle, Jerusalem artichoke soup or lamb ossobuco. Moderate to expensive.

Tamuz 6 Ahad Ha'am. (03) 516-7888. Daily 12:30 - 16:00 and 19:00 - 23:00. A beautiful setting and excellent service. After the shrimps in herbed cream sauce go on to lamb saddle with Perigord sauce or grilled sea bream fillets served with veal sweetbreads. Good desserts. Expensive.

Idi Habosem 6, Ashdod. (08) 852-4313. Daily 12:00 - 24:00. Large but fun and with dishes that are often excellent. Start with well spiced shrimps fra diavolo and hten go on to seafood filled Moroccan style cigars, seafood soup and steamed crabs. Moderate.

Seafood Bar Maskit 30, Herzliya Pituach. (09) 951-1219. Daily 12:00 - 24:00. Seafood and fish specialties in a casual atmosphere. After the shrimp casserole go on to grilled coquilles St. Jacques, tempura seafood or mussels in white wine. Moderate to expensive.

Coconut (Thai) Maskit 32, Herzliya Pituach. (09) 956-8959. Sun - Fri 12:00 - 16:00 and 19:00 - 01:00; Sat 13:00 - 01:00. A pleasing atmosphere and good service. Start with the dim sum filled with shrimp, and then go on to hot beef and beans in curry paste or roast duck in coconut milk. Moderate.

© Daniel Rogov