No Jewish holiday allows us to eat our feelings more than Passover. Unlike most Jewish holidays, the story of Passover does not happen in a synagogue; it happens at a table and the liturgy is food. Eating becomes an act of remembrance and a declaration of hard-won freedom.
Last year we rounded up where you can buy local ingredients for your Seder and we stand by our recommendations. If you’re looking for home delivery, we’d tack Mouth.com and Good Eggs on to this list (note that Good Eggs only delivers in Brooklyn).
We’ve also previously shared a pavlova that is perfect for Passover alongside our feature in the web series “High Maintenance” (the catered Passover episode entitled “Elijah”). And lest we forget our feature on the Lower East Side’s Streit’s Matzo, which has been recently priced out of its original Rivington Street location thanks to the neighborhood’s rapid gentrification.
Streit’s may no longer be an institution on the block, but The Gefilteria, which we covered a couple years back, is a relatively new local business committed to selling high quality Jewish staples (we’ve also got their recipe for carrot citrus horseradish here). Lastly, we can’t mention the Lower East Side without highlighting Russ & Daughters, which has a full menu of Passover specialties like smoked salmon tartare and matzo balls. You’d be remiss to not snag a few chocolate dipped macarons to keep your sweet tooth in check while you abstain from cookies and cakes.
Of course preparing the Seder at home is more than worth the endeavor, but if you’re looking to eat out this year, then here’s where to reserve:
- If you prefer that Laurie Anderson be at your Seder instead of Elijah, look no further than the “Second Seder at the Russ & Daughters Café” where she’s the host. Her appearance surely answers the question of “why is this night different than all other nights?”
- Balaboosta and Bar Bolonat chef Einat Admony is teaming up with Annisa’s chef Anita Lo to create a traditional Passover dinner with an Asian twist. Think duck matzo ball soup and beef brisket with red dates, chestnut, and harissa.
- Mile End Deli in Boerum Hill has Passover catering available as well as a sit down Seder for $125 a person. Tickets required.
