Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies Group       

40,000 Members!!!! Woohoo!!!! Time to celebrate!!!           

Wow, what an amazing milestone. 40,000 people. 40,000 people who love food and love to talk about restaurants. Congratulations to all of you for making GKRF what it is today.

For those who have been with us since Day 1, which is just over 3 years, (and that is remarkable in itself because it's a baby compared to others) know where we came from and where we are today. People think this is easy but it's a culmination of 15 years of hard work that has gotten me/us to this point. Late nights, time away from the family, juggling dozens of items at once, hundreds of messages, email and texts. It is physically impossible to visit everyone within the time constraints of responsibilities of having a family or being the President of a shul. I can not post all the time for everyone and that has been a problem for some. We do the best we can and than we just hang on for dear life. But things like this don't happen by accident and it's not every day (or ever) that a Facebook group in the Jewish world has 40,000 members, most who are active and passionate and wonderful.          

What sets us a part from anything on social media, is that you are not followers. But you are members. This is not a one side mirror where I just get to post, but you are part of this foodie family and you should be proud of it. As I said many times, this is not about one person, this is not about anyone being an influencer, we are a community. We have spent the greater part of 3 years together, everyday coming back here to talk about food and restaurants and sharing our experiences. Sure, there are jokes and arguments, but with 40,000 people, I think we've done a darn good job at it. Also, this group is actually pretty fun, and interesting and exciting. We learn from each other. And we are there for each other.             

This group has changed the lives of thousands of people for the better. It has revolutionized the way people get their information and where to eat. It has the ability and power to make a difference and we sure have. It has taken on a life of it's own and it's because of everyone here.   

We've had a wild ride these past 3+ years and I can honestly say I don't think there has been one day (besides Yom Tov) in the 1000 days that we've had this group that someone hasn't been helped or that dozens of conversations haven't been going on. There is always another post to read, another thread to comment on or another photo to like or share.         

I am proud that we conduct ourselves with dignity and respect. I am proud that relationships have been formed. I am proud that businesses have been recognized and catapulted by the group and its members.

There is so much more I want to do, so much work we can do together. Invite your friends to join this Foodie revolution we've started and let's see how far we can take this gravy train.     

I want to thank all the admins who give up their time to help me steer this ship. You guys are there for me and this group at all hours of the day and night. You truly rock and yes, they pay for their meals.          

But it's time to celebrate. Look out for some upcoming posts on how Foodies really throw a party.

Abigael's Taking Over the Kosher Concession at MSG        

Abigael's has taken over as the new kosher concession at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. This makes so much sense for the restaurant which is a few blocks away from MSG and they already have been doing the catering in the suites for years. We'll have the menu soon, but this should give some enjoyment to Knicks and Rangers fans.         

 

If you're in Midtown, you now have another dairy destination for lunch. Basta Kitchen is open for lunch between 12 and 4:30 PM. They will then be closed from 4:30 to 6:30 PM and open again for dinner from 6:30 till 10:30 PM, when the kitchen closes. They also have a new Facebook page so click here to visit and be sure to like it as they start to post new items, photos and specials. To reserve a table, email: bastareservation@gmail.com or call (917) 261-7352. Located at: 62 East 34th Street, between Park and Madison, New York, NY 10016.   

        

          

The Falafel Spot Comes to Canarsie      

There is a new vegetarian falafel shop opening in my childhood neighborhood, on the corner of Foster and Ralph Avenues in Canarsie. Located at: 6002 Foster Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11236. Phone: (347) 554-8824.

A new cafe in the Marine Park area just opened, serving pareve soups, salads, sandwiches and some dairy items as well. Locatedat: 2913 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, New York 11229.