Macaroons? Four questions? Charlton Heston? It must be time for Passover again!
Passover is a holiday both somber and joyous for Jews to remember their persecution in Egypt and their grand exodus from slavery to freedom.
And, of course, there is no better way to celebrate and remember than with a seder feast. Matzoh ball soup, gefilte fish (and not the stuff from a jar!), kugel, brisket, sacher torte, and—of course—good wine to go with it! It just wouldn’t be a Jewish holiday without food!
So, sweep out the chametz (leavened products – not Kosher for Passover), find a chair to recline on, and welcome in your guests and their appetites!
For the Seder at Home
Good Morgan Fish
Rogers Park
This is the place to go for fresh-ground gefilte fish makings (just ask my mom!). They’re crazy busy around this time of year, so call ahead to place your order.
Hungarian Kosher Foods
Skokie
The Midwest’s largest kosher supermarket hosts an incredible selection of wines from throughout the world. Don’t miss out on their Passover “Mega Sale” with bottles as low as $3.99. Order online at www.kosherwine.com or stop in for a true experience!
Dorfler’s Meat Market
Buffalo Grove
An old-fashioned market that boasts the best beef brisket and offers a full kosher for Passover catering menu to make seder dinner easy. Pick from items like chopped liver, $6.95/lb. and beef brisket, $12.95/lb.
Goodies, Etc.
Highland Park
This sweet stop offers an array of kosher for Passover treats that make for the perfect hostess gift, or send a basket to a friend, starting at $40.
Hel’s Kitchen Catering
Northbrook
Select from their extensive kosher-for-Passover menu, including deviled eggs with smoked salmon and caviar for $14/dozen, and Dijon and matzoh-encrusted pike, $55.95 for 4 people. Or go for the “complete package” and let them pamper your stomach from karpas to torte.
Sunset Foods (Highland Park, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Long Grove, Northbrook)
A neighborhood staple that proudly offers an assortment of Passover goods (horseradish and matzo balls), as well as items you thought you’d have to give up for the week (read: cookies and chocolate, all unleavened)!
For the Seder Out
Check out first-ever Downtown Seder at the Chicago Cultural Center on Wednesday, April 13 at 8 pm. This interactive seder features superstar Israeli singer/songwriter David Broza with flamenco guitarist Javier Rubial, comedienne Judy Gold, and Cantor Alberto Mizrahi. Food is presented by Spertus Kosher Catering. Proceeds benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Tickets are $118 and $500. For more info, visit www.citywinery.com/seder.
Local synagogues and Jewish groups hold community seders throughout the North Shore and Chicago. A list of locations can be found on the JUF website.
