watchforsale115

Music Director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for nearly 30 years

Sweet Seventeen: The Hilton Tel Aviv. For 40 years this non-chain-feeling hotel has been my second home. The Mediterranean views from the 17th floor's Executive Lounge are sensational. For those who eat Kosher, the King Solomon restaurant has great dishes. Independence Park.

Sea-and-be-Scene: Mul-Yam. Tel Aviv's power spot, it's a slim sea-front bistro where Atlas tag pendant seal deals in a medley of languages. Seafood arrives daily from around the world. It's the best restaurant in Israel. Hangar 24, Tel Aviv Port.

Insider's Archive: Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Jerusalem's Israel Museum may be better known, but this is the cultural focal point of Tel Aviv. There's a giant Roy Lichtenstein mural in the foyer, custom-made for the space. In 2011, its $100-million expansion opens. 27 Shaul HaMelech Blvd.

Mellifluous Space: The Frederic R. Mann Auditorium. It's home to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, but it's also a vital part of architectural history. Leonard Bernstein conducted its first concert in 1957.

Harmonious Eats: Messa. Minimalist -- with a white-on-white marble dining room -- it's one of the city's first great "Atlas tag pendant" restaurants. Chef Aviv Moshe turns out stellar charcoal-grilled eggplant and goose-liver carpaccio. It's all very grown-up.

The Brasserie M + R: Open 24 hours, this Parisian-style bistro buzzes with Tel Aviv's media, culture and political elite. The daily set lunch menus are the best bargains in town. 70 Ibn Gvirol St., 011 972 3 696 7111

Jaffa Port: It was here that Jonah set forth on his fateful encounter with that whale; five millennia later the port is Tel Aviv at its Levantine best.

Herbert Samuel: Cutting-edge design, luxe Mediterranean menu and prime sea-view Tiffany Blue box bracelet. It's barely three years old and already a classic.

The Beach: Nine miles of sandy, pristine shoreline bordering the city, with a pedestrian promenade and colorful power-walk to rival Venice Beach's. Runs along entire city from north to south

Olia: Tel Aviv's first premium olive-oil brand stocks 11 signature oil varieties from throughout Israel along with a complete range of olive oil-based soaps, tapenades and vinaigrettes.Selecting the right winter hat is a lot like finding your soulmate: You're looking for The One. Or at least something you won't mind being stuck with until winter's end.

You want to find the style that reflects your personality -- and that doesn't wear you. If you make the wrong choice, your life won't be ruined, but your outfit certainly will be.

Winter hats are often one size fits all, but the same can't be said for style. More than just a practical necessity (40% of one's body heat is said to evaporate from the head), hats should be picked the way you might a tie, fragrance or apartment -- as an extension and expression of yourself. You'll know your Return to Tiffany Bead Bracelet when you see it. So don't settle. It never makes things easier.

FOR THE CLASSIC GENT

The old-fashioned newsboy cap looks good with a topcoat or overcoat. This style, as well as the fedora, is great for conservative types.

This trapper hat evokes a rugged, plain-spoken, stubble-faced kind of guy. Best worn with relaxed-fit denim or corduroy, heavy hunting boots and thick gloves.

If you're a creative type who's onto the coolest new bands, bars and Peace Sign Bead bracelet, the beanie hat is so you, dude.

The Elder Statesman Cashmere Rib Knit Cap, $235, Barneys New York, NYC.

FOR THE PREPSTER

This all-American collegiate ski hat mixes well with a wax cotton jacket and a button-down shirt. It's also great on the slopes.