CHOPS Steakhouse Opening in Sunny Isles, FL in mid-March
CHOPS Steakhouse, an upscale restaurant, is about to enter the South Florida kosher fine dining scene, as it is scheduled to open in mid-March at 17082 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles. Brainchild of Isaac Nahon, the former owner of CHOPS in Montreal, this fine dining steakhouse will be serving premium aged meats, complete sushi menu and top wines and liqueurs. CHOPS Steakhouse will feature seating capacity of 250 people, a 35 foot bar, an exclusive VIP room, and outdoor seating for 40 people. The restaurant is located in a prime strip mall adjacent to the beach, and will offer free parking for over 400 spots.
Update: House of Dog Boca Raton
The expectation is palpable in the Boca Raton kosher community for House of Dog to open its newest location at 21077 Powerline Road. We are happy to update our readers that they are almost done with construction. After a couple of weeks to work on the decor, and another couple of weeks for staff training, they are looking at a 4 to 6 week time span to the grand opening!
(Photo illustration on right)
Blind Florida Item: New Exciting Concept / Kosher Meat Restaurant
to open in Surfside, FL after Pesach. Details and concept are still being worked out. Stay tuned for more information.
for the Monsey residents since Hava Java coffee bar and bagel shop opened at 59 Route 59 in the end of January. It serves a large selection of specialty coffees, and hot and iced drinks, such as Raspberry Truffle, Chocolate Mint Mocha, and Praline Froster to name just a few. Their breakfast offerings include a variety of egg dishes as well as bagels, toasts, pancakes and other morning hour favorites. They also serve many mid-day specials such as Tuna Crostini Melt or Salmon Salad. The dessert menu includes sugar-free, low-fat and low-gluten options, such as their wheat-free Chocolate Muffin. See their full menu here. Hava Java is open from 7 am to 5 pm and can sit up to 30 people.
Ba Li Laffa to Open Second Location in Toronto
Owner of Ba Li Laffa has taken over the spot of Dairy Treats at3522 Bathurst St. and will be opening another Ba Li Laffa in April in that location. Ba Li Laffa is a reasonably priced Mediterranean grill with such favorites as kabobs, schnitzels and a variety of pita or laffa sandwiches packed with Middle Eastern flavors on the menu. With two Dr. Laffa locations already in the area, it seems Toronto is the Laffa Capital of the World. (h/t: Shlomo Assayag)
Kosher & Luxus - Gourmet Kosher Restaurant Opens in Cancun (Mexico)
Cancun, a popular Caribbean destination in Mexico, has just become even more attractive for
kosher vacationers, since the opening of Kosher & Luxus in the beginning of February. Kosher & Luxus is a year-round kosher restaurant under the supervision of Rabbi Nigri of the local Kehilat Neve Shalom, with mashgiach on premises and all products being OU or Star-K certified. The restaurant is located in Hotel Krystal in the Hotel Zone, at 9.5 km of Blvd Kukulcam, and serves a full spectrum of gourmet meals: dairy breakfast, meat lunch and dinner, and Shabbat meals, available for dine-in and take out, with delivery to all hotels in the Cancun area. They can even provide you with a hotplate for Shabbat if you are staying in a different hotel. The menu is a delectable mix of Mexican and International dishes, with such specialties as Huachinango marinated in achiote served with Mexican rice, Entrecote steak served with red wine and cinnamon reduction, and a variety of specials changing daily as updated on their Facebook page. View their Weekday andShabbat menus to learn more. Online ordering is available too. For Passover, they will be offering meal packages, making it possible for people to stay in any hotel and dine with them.
Eighteen Restaurant in NYC Under Renovation
Upper East Side's Eighteen Restaurant is now undergoing renovations with some big changes. Their kitchen is still open for online ordering, and deliveries are also available. Stay tuned for exclusive photos and details.
Riesterer's Bakery and Cafe in West Hempstead, NY Turns Kosher
Here is news we always like to hear about: non-kosher establishments turning kosher! Riesterer's Bakery and Cafe, located at 282 Hempstead Ave in West Hempstead is now certified Kosher under the supervision of Vaad Hakashrus of Queens. This "Long Island tradition since 1931" offers over 75 types of cupcakes, various baked desserts and custom cakes for all occasions.
"The Difference" to Open in Los Angeles, CA
After 18 and a half years, Milk 'n Honey, not to be confused with
The Milky Way across the street on Pico Blvd. (and owned by Steven Spielberg's mother) was recently sold, making the way for a meat restaurant called "The Difference: Grill and More." We'll let you know when it opens.
Toronto Hotels Serving Kosher
Starting this week, The Windsor Arms Hotel located at 18 St. Thomas St. in Toronto will be serving kosher dinners 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from 5:30pm to 10:00pm, available by reservation. Three-course prix-fixe meal is $75, and is served under the supervision of COR - Kashruth Council of Canada. Park Hyatt Toronto has also been offering kosher dinners at select evenings available by reservation, under the same supervision.
New Name Contest for Sarit's Cuisine and Grill in Brooklyn
Marani, a one-of-a-kind restaurant which opened at 97-26 63rd Rd. in Rego Park a few months ago, is offering kosher foodies an opportunity to enjoy authentic Georgian cooking. Georgia is a country on the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, with a cuisine slightly differing from others in the Caucasus region - for example, it uses a lot walnuts and pomegranate to create some of its signature flavors. While offering plenty of meat choices from a range of kebabs to such specialty dishes like Chakapuli (lamb braised with tarragon, mint and olives), Marani's menu has enough to satisfy the vegetarians as well with its extensive variety of vegetable-based appetizers. While the main restaurant is meat, they have a basement section with an open dairy kitchen and a small seating area, serving a selection of Khachapuri - traditional Georgian dish of cheese-filled bread. The glatt kosher, Shomer Shabbos restaurant is under the supervision of SKO-USA (Rabbi Aharon Chein).
Update on Dairy Restaurant in Philadelphia Suburb
After purchasing a building at 321 Montgomery Ave in Narbeth, PA to house the Dairy Restaurant (a dairy sister of the upscaleCitron & Rose) last summer, the owners started renovating it, with plans to open the location in a few months. However, as they started the work, they found out that nothing supports the roof, so they ended up stripping the old farmhouse almost to the bones and are now undertaking a complete remodeling job. Meanwhile, their dairy catering business has been operating for over a year through Six Points Events.
|
RESTAURANT OPENINGS & CLOSINGS:
Brasserie Halevi Opening in Cedarhurst, NY at the end of January
 After months of renovations, Brasserie Halevi, which replaces "Off the Grill" at 600 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY is scheduled to open towards the end of January. The restaurant will feature gourmet American cuisine with a French influence, under the supervision of Vaad of 5 Towns. In addition to a beautiful and modern dining room upstairs, Brasserie Halevi will have a "man cave" style party room with TV downstairs. Click here to access our exclusive video of the interior, where work is still in progress. To check their tentative menu, click here. Burrito'lam in Teaneck Closes
 Five months removed from their grand opening and cute naming, it looks like Burrito'lam has served its last burrito. They announced on their Facebook page at the end of December that they will no longer be in business, and thanked all their customers for their support. Could there be another Mexican restaurant coming in the area?
Fuego Grill Opening in Aventura, FL at the End of January
Add one more to the Florida kosher restaurants scene! Fuego Grill will be opening in Aventura, FL at the end of January, taking the space and completely remodeling the former Jona's and Aderet Grill on 186th St near Biscayne Blvd. Stay tuned for more detail and exact opening date.
West Avenue Cafe in South Beach, FL No Longer Kosher
 On December 18th, West Avenue Cafe posted on their Facebook page the announcement that the restaurant is now under new management, and thanked staff, providers and customers for 3 great years. The news came as a surprise since the restaurant was always doing well and had a loyal following (even during the previous ownership when it was called Gourmet Carrot). This change now leaves a vacancy in the area for a nice kosher meat restaurant. Seventeen, the dairy cafe and Pita Loca, a small Israeli restaurant off the beach are still there but for those looking to drive to South Beach for a nice meat restaurant, you will have to stay in Miami Beach (where there is no lack of choices).
h/t Yeah Thats Kosher
Chayo in Torrance, CA Fills the Void for Kosher in South Bay
Since Chayo Eatery, a dairy restaurant, opened on Torrance Boulevard in Torrance, CA last August,the growing Jewish community has gotten a local kosher place to eat at. Until then, the closest kosher restaurants were in West LA some 30 minutes' drive away. The owners, brothers Abe and Levi Chayo, estimate, however, that about 70% of their clientele are not Jewish, calling their place "a kosher restaurant for nonkosher-eating people". The patrons are attracted by fresh, delicious food and healthier choices the Chayo Eatery offers: freshly baked ciabatta bread, flat bread pizza dough, salad dressings and soup are all made from scratch, and their rosemary fries are baked, not fried. The eatery also has a growing lunch catering business serving local schools and companies. Source: www.dailybreeze.com
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Charity VIP Poker & Blackjack Tournament - TONIGHT!
Enjoy a fun night in NYC at the Ultimate VIP Poker & Blackjack Tournament benefiting Our Place NY, tonight Wednesday, January 8, at Manhattan Motorcars Grand Showroom. Gala Reception at 6:30pm, with five-star glatt kosher catered dinner, live music and personal interior access to some luxury vehicles. Charity Poker Tournament at 7:45 pm with great prizes to win. Minimum donation to enter $250.
Online registration required. See you tonight to support a great cause!
Edon Concert in Ft. Lauderdale - Jan. 18
Edon, a Jewish Orthodox pop artist and a finalist on American's Got Talent, will be making his South Florida Debut at Revolution Live in Ft. Lauderdale, January 18 at 8:30 pm. See flyer here.
Great Kosher Restaurants is a proud sponsor and stay tuned for which restaurant will be there.
New York Kosher Food & Wine Experience - Feb. 24 (Save $20)
With tickets on sale for just over 2 weeks, they're close to selling out! If you haven't bought your tickets yet, don't wait!
If you already bought your tickets, but have a friend that always waits till the last minute, tell them to get moving!
KFWE will sell out. Need a little more incentive? For a limited time, save $20 off each ticket you purchase when you use promo code $20OFF. For all the details or to buy tickets, visit New this year: A yacht just for dessert docked at the pier. Parnassah Expo - March 25 & 26
Parnassah Expo 2014 - Nationwide Business Networking Event - will take place at the New Jersey Conventlion and Expo Center in Edison, NJ on March 25th & 26th. To find out all the details and to reserve your booth visit their website.
Great Kosher Restaurants will be there, but will you?
|
|
FACEBOOK CONTESTS:
 Abigael's (New York, NY)
Win a Special Six-Course Tasting Menu for 2!
To enter: Like Abigael's Facebook page, and then like and comment on the giveaway post. The contest ends Wednesday, January 22 at midnight (EST).
Fish Plate (Cedarhurst, NY)
 Two winners! Enter for a chance to win a Dinner for 4 (value up to $80) or
Dinner for 2 (value up to $40) at this newest California-style fish restaurant.
All you need to do is be a fan of their Fish Plate Facebook page and then just
"Like and Comment" on this image. Contest will end Saturday, January 18th at midnight (EST).
Glatt A LA Carte (Brooklyn, NY)
 Win $100 gift certificate to Glatt A LA Carte!
Like their Facebook page and like & comment on this image.
Contest ends January 18 at midnight (EST).
The Coffee Bar (Lawrence, NY)
 One winner will get $50 gift certificate!
Like The Coffee Bar Facebook page, then like and share this image.
Contest ends January 18 at midnight (EST).
Traditions Eatery (Lawrence, NY)
|
|
KOSHER IN THE NEWS
Kosher Meals are Now Available in Jamaica
Kosher tourists to Jamaica may now need to shlep less food to their vacation thanks to Israeli cook
 and caterer Vered Maoz, who may now be the key for growing Jewish heritage tourism to the island. Maoz is the only source of freshly prepared kosher Isareli food in Jamaica, and is getting attention for her pita bread, hummus, shawarma and bourekas. Having arrived to Jamaica 12 years ago, and craving to keep a connection to her culinary roots, she originally fed Israeli food to her family and friends. As the word got out how good her food was and people asking her to sell it to them, the business gradually grew, and her customers now include native Jamaicans or immigrants from various countries, in addition to Israeli ex-pats and tourists. She now offers freshly made hummus, bourekas, tahini, taboule, schug, pickles, vegetarian stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls, among other dishes. As there is no kosher slaughter in Jamaica, the bulk of the menu is vegetarian and dairy, with most of the dry ingredients being brought from Israel, New York and Miami. Source: TimeOfIsrael.com. Read full article here.
Israel Approves Female Kosher Supervisors
In a landmark decision in December 2013, the Israeli Chief Rabbinate agreed to allow women to take the necessary steps to becoming certified kosher supervisors. Though Jewish Law is typically thought to allow women to serve as mashgiachot, some have argued that it violates general principles of modesty. In 2010, the Chief Rabbinate began requiring that kosher supervisors undergo at least four years of yeshiva training, making it unfeasible for women to fulfill the requirements. After the court decision, we may now see more female kosher supervisors in Israel. Source: The Jew & The Carrot. Read more.
Organic, Jewish-Grown Produce May be Introduced to NYC's Local Kosher Restaurants
 Yiddish Farm, a former Chabad bungalow colony in Goshen, NY turned working farm, aims to sell its organic produce to the hottest Brooklyn kosher eateries, including Pardes and Mason and Mug. After selling some of its produce on farmers markets in NYC last summer, the Farm now starts to target restaurants directly, and have already approached some regarding their upcoming spring crop. Yisroel Bass, manager of Yiddish Farm, in an interview to DnaInfo.com noted that "there's a lot more consciousness developing around local sourcing of food and also organic sourcing, and being able to get it from a Jewish farmer is an added bonus". If the restaurants overcome their reluctance for dealing with more infestation-prone organic produce, we may soon enjoy organic meal ingredients, grown by our own Jewish farmers. Source: www.DnaInfo
|
|
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: RACK OF LAMB
From: Le Marais
Serves 2
Take the rack out of the refrigerator and leave out at room temperature for 30 minutes. This will bring the core of the lamb up to room temperature.
In a hot sauté pan, add a light coating of vegetable oil. Season your rack on both sides liberally with salt and black pepper. Place the rack into the hot pan top side down and sear the meat off until it is a rich brown color. Flip the rack and do the same on the back side of the meat.
Preheat an oven to 450 degrees. Place the rack into the oven and roast until you reach an internal temperature of 130 degrees, for a medium rare roast. About 12 minutes.
|
|
TRUE RESTAURANT STORY OF THE WEEK:
Half Baked
(from Tom's Top Ten, excerpt from Great Kosher Restaurants Magazine)
One relatively quiet lunch, I was on the line when a server came in and said, "Chef-o, I have two ladies out there who want to split a hamburger. Is that a problem?" I said, "No I'll just cut it in half." She says, "Well, I don't think that's going to work." "Why not?" "One woman wants hers cooked medium rare and the other one wants hers cooked medium." "Are you kidding?" "Sorry. What do you want me to tell them?" "Tell them the hamburger is $6.00 for God's sake. How much am I supposed to endure for $6.00? Tell them it's ridiculous and I'm not doing it." She said, "Okay I'll tell them but I'm leaving out the endure and the ridiculous part. I'll just tell them we can't do it." "Fine." Five minutes later the waitress comes back into the kitchen and orders 1 hamburger, medium rare.
I ask, "Is that the burger for those two ladies?" "Yes." "They're alright with having it medium rare?" She said, "I told them we couldn't do it and they just said, "Whatever. Make it medium rare.'"
"Okay cool." I cooked the burger, cut it in half, garnished it and sent it out. Two minutes later the waitress came back in the kitchen with one half of the burger and said, "Okay there genius, this lady wants more fire on her half of the burger. I'd say medium ought to do it." I started to cry.
|
|
RESTAURANT NEWS & SPECIALS:
MANHATTAN
Sushi salads only $3.95 - choice of spicy kani, tuna, salmon of vegetable with coupon. Limit 2 per customer. Expires 1/31/14.
Through the end of January, get a Schnitzel in a pita or baguette for only $7.95 with coupon.
RIVERDALE
Shabbat Special: choice of 1 soup, 1 chicken dish, and 2 sides, $34.95. Lots of extras available. Place orders by Thursday 2 pm. See full menu here.
BROOKLYN Customers can now make reservations and view the menu through the Open Table website. Check out T-fusion's updated website featuring new mouthwatering food images on their homepage and in the gallery, as well as updated menus. For those who can't get enough, they now have an Instagram page with unique behind-the-scenes images and chef shenangans.
WESTCHESTER All new Thai Menu - check it out here. Eden Wok is one of the very few places in the Tri-State area to enjoy Thai cuisine.
GREAT NECK, NY Good news - they now provide delivery service.
PARK CITY, UT The only kosher ski resort restaurant is open for the season! The snow is in great shape so book your vacation now. Click here for their new menu.
CANADA
Ashkenaz Cowboy
(Toronto)
|
After a year of infighting and ongoing court battles with the Sony Building landlord (read an August New York Times article about the conflict here), Solo Restaurant at 550 Madison Avenue is leaving their midtown home and heading into a new location in downtown Manhattan.
Interestingly enough, reports have also been circulating that Sotheby's might be moving into the Solo space once the restaurant leaves. See article here.
Meanwhile, Pizza da Solo, the upscale Neapolitan take-out pizzeria, also located in the Sony Building and steps from Solo, is remaining open.
And to add more intrigue, with Prime Grill having purchased the phone number of "The J" over a month ago when they closed (yep, try to call The J and Prime Grill picks up), could we see Solo taking over their Soho location? Hmm. One thing is assured, this story has just begun. Stay tuned for more details as it develops.
MANHATTAN
Saturday Nights Live Music with exotic tastes from South America. Open 1 hour after Shabbat till Midnight.
Breakfast Specials: 2 eggs any style, hash browns, bagel and small coffee - $6.00; Pancake or French Toast with small coffee $6.00.
Lunch Specials: 1 Regular Slice, small regular salad, and can of soda $12.00; any Sandwich or Panini and 12 oz soup $12.
Combo Special: Large baguette sandwich with large fries and a can soda $16.64.
BROOKLYN
For end of the year parties or all year long, Carlos & Gabby's has a separate party room upstairs. Check out their website here for their catering menu for both in and out of the restaurant. Contact them for any catering/party needs at 718-612-5234.
Tuesday Ladies Night Out - with 4 friends, the 5th eats free! View flyer.
Thursday Buffet at Your Table - join them for a 5-course prix-fixe buffet dinner $29.95/pp +tax & gratuity, 2 people min. View flyer.
This month receive 10% off your online orders at www.ChinaGlatt.com with code BLT. View flyer.
Through the end of the year: One complimentary glass of wine for each guest!
Order online & save: 10% off your order (no minimum) - just enter ROLLS10 at checkout.
Save 15% on orders of $75 and up with code ROLLS15.
Celebrate the arrival of 2014 with a delicious prix-fixe dinner at T-Fusion Steakhouse. $75 pp.
View their New Year's Eve menu here.
FIVE TOWNS, NY
Family Special- Order for your home or office and receive 10% off every take out order over $50
Kids Menu - Mac n Cheese, Penne marina, Fish n Chips, Tuna Salad Sandwich - only 5.99 each
Lunch Specials- Come warm up with a Hot Fish Chowder or Garden vegetable Soup with all of their lunch specials served all day from 11:30am-4:30pm for only $8.99 each
Click here for all the details.
Sat. night Shabbos Special - Free soda with every Paninilino, Pizzalino, or Pastalino purchase!
View flyer here. The restaurant is available for rent for a New Year's Eve party and can host up to 80 people. Call the restaurant for details.
WESTCHESTER, NY
Coming January 2nd, Chef Ming will be expanding this Thai menu with the addition of a Red and Green Curry, Coconut Soup, and Chili Basil choice of chicken or beef.
MONSEY, NY
LIVINGSTON, NJ
Shabbos Specials for 3 for only $30 + tax (7% cash discount offered). Shabbos special includes: Moroccan Tilapia (not spicy), 1 lb Health Salad, 1 lb Egg Barley (Farfel), 1 Qt. Mushroom Barley Soup, Chicken Marsala. Order by Thursday by calling 973-994-2344.
SOUTH FLORIDA
Rare Steakhouse and Kosherica team up to create 5 star Gourmet Kosher Cuisine for Pesach 2014 in beautiful Bal Harbour Beach, FL. Program includes all meals, tea rooms, BBQs, fun and exciting youth programming, captivating programming for adults. The famous Shul of Bal Harbour will host all minyanim, stimulating lectures and shiurim as well as a full beit midrash. They offer preferred rates at local hotels, or you can stay at home and come for meals and programming. View flyerhere.
New Year's Event 2014 from 9 pm to 4 am. Click for flyer here.
"Shabbat Meals on the Beach" in Miami's JCC
Shabbat meals on the Beach is filling up fast, as guests enjoy their upscale buffet, including the freshest sushi in South Florida, the most tender prime rib carved to order, rock Cornish hen among many other dishes, great wines and outstanding dessert buffet. Book early to avoid disappointment. The Galbut Family JCC is conveniently located along the Intercoastal Waterway at 4221 Pine Tree Drive, within a walking distance from a number of synagogues.
CHICAGO, IL
Special menus New Year's! Click here to view.
6:00PM: First seating of our festive New Year's Dinner! Join us for an amazing multi-course menu from Chef Bryan, featuring smoked prime rib, seared tuna, and more! A bottle of wine or champagne is included with the ticket price. $100 per person.
9:00PM: Second seating of our festive New Year's Dinner, with live music from Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Greg Spero! Multi-course menu, wine or champagne, a live jazz performance and countdown celebration all included in this ticket! $150 per person.
Standing room only tickets are also available for the Jazz concert and countdown! Champagne toast included. $50 per person. Tickets available by calling 773-661-6384 or by visiting their website.
Milt's regular menu will be available until 5:00PM. Bring in the New Year with a bang at Milt's!
