A brief walk through the streets of Jerusalem reveals how "in" it is for places to have English names. All the trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes have either both an English and Hebrew name, or just an English name. But it is not so simple to open an establishment with an English name in a country where many people don't speak great English -- one always runs the risk of losing clientele who don't understand the relation between an establishment 's name and its product. Hence, Israelis often choose to do away with all efforts to be playful and ironic, opting instead for clarity and directness (not so out of line with general Israeli character). This explains the presence of popular chains like "Coffee Shop" and "Meat Burger."
I can picture the boardroom conversation:
Well Dudu, I don't know, don't you think we're being a little redundant with "Meat Burger."
Not at all, Yossi, you know very well how many places have gone 'green.' You order a burger these days, and you don't know what you're gonna get -- real meat or that fake tofu crap! This is a meat establishment and I'm damn well proud! Are you not proud of our establishment?
I didn't say I wasn't proud, Dudu. I just...
Are you going 'green,' Yossi?
Fine, fine, "Meat Burger" it is!
