We have previously reported the closing of the 1880 Deli in 

Lakewood, NJ (pictured on the right), and now we are happy to update our readers that the location will not disappear for good. Uncle Mike's restaurant will be opening in place of 1880 Deli sometime in January. Many know owner Mike Mandel from his previous restaurant of the same name which was also in Lakewood.

The chefs had 30 minutes to create a delicious dish from 15 mystery ingredients and to impress 

the judges - Philippe Kaemmerle (Chef Instructor from The Center for Kosher Culinary Arts), 

Jack Silberstein (co-owner of Jack's Gourmet Sausages), and Roberta Scher (Co-founder and Managing Editor of KosherEye.com). The ingredients included rib eye steak, beef patties, wild mushrooms, pasta and a variety of vegetables. The task before the judges was not an easy one as all 3 competing entrees looked and smelled amazing, and for the simple folks from the audience it was hard to resist the jealousy they are not the one tasting them. David Teyf wowed the audience with his fire-blasting torch to brown the meat, while Jose Soto impressed everyone with his calm, self-possessed demeanor, and Casey Colaneri with his chatty and friendly personality. Jamie Geller, the famous cookbook author and founder of Joy of Kosher magazine kept the audience engaged at this TV-quality show. Everyone had a great time and this proved once again how kosher cooking has grown by leap and bounds.

2013 Kosherfest Iron Chef Culinary Competition