OPENINGS, UPDATES, NEWS, EVENTS
MANHATTAN
A new SMASH HOUSE has opened in Manhattan
The burger franchise has opened it’s newest Smash House which is located on 37th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue, perfect for your lunch or dinner cravings. Click here for our Facebook follower’s post.
New Reserve Cut is ready to open.
Get ready, cause the brand-new Reserve Cut on 56th and Park Ave is openings its doors this week. The new location will have the classic Reserve Cut menu from Broad Street with some surprises to come. I was there this past Thursday for the Friends and Family Night. Click here for our Instagram live video from that night, which has over 1300 shares already. Click here for our Facebook Live video and click here for photos of the night. For a video look inside of the restaurant, click here.
Falafel Tanami has opened in Tribeca
The Brooklyn restaurant Falafel Tanami has expanded with their second location opening in Manhattan. The food from Falafel Tanami is said to remind you of the best Falafel you’ve had in Israel. Located at: 415 Greenwich Street New York NY. It is under the OU supervision. Click here for our members Facebook post.
Bravo Pizza opens a new Midtown location
Now open for business is the new 8th Avenue Midtown location of BRAVO PIZZA that used to be non-Kosher. This new location will be serving their classic menu items like their freshly made pizza, crispy fries and freshly made salads. They’re located at 877 8th Ave (between 52nd and 53rd), New York, NY 10019. They also have a store at: 378 5th Ave, (between 35th and 36th), New York, NY 10018 212-268-4499. Please see our Facebook post here.
ROSIE’S PIZZA in Midtown has opened its doors
Rosie’s Pizza has officially opened its doors for business with rave reviews already. Whether going to Madison Square Garden or to a Broadway show, Rosies Pizza is a great place to grab a fresh slice or fries on the go. Located at: 1385 Broadway and West 38th Street (former location of AO Bowl). It is under the OK supervision. See our GKRF member’s Facebook Post here.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas coming soon
New kosher ice-cream store is coming to Upper East Side. Like there other locations they will have a variety of hand crafted palatas to dip, top and enjoy. Stay tuned for more updates. Click here for our Facebook post.
BROOKLYN
Amsterdam Burger Co is now open
Open in its newest location on Avenue J in Brooklyn (former Dixie location). They will be grilling up their classic burger menu made with never frozen USDA Black Angus beef and NEW Jr. Burgers. They will keep Dixie’s popular non-dairy milkshakes to the menu coming in flavors like Caramel, Oreo, Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry. Located at: 1316 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230 or Large Orders/Private Catering Parties please email [email protected]. Phone: 347-587-1068 Certified Kosher by Kehilah Kashrus. Click here for our Facebook post.
Holy Schnitzel Crown Heights is open
We are happy to share that Holy Schnitzel has opened a new location in Brooklyn, taking over the former Carbon location on Kingston Ave. They will be serving up their classic Holy Schnizel menu with crispy schnitzel sandwiches, fresh salads, juicy grilled chicken and so much more. What are you waiting for? Place your orders today and be sure to share your experience on our Facebook page here. Located at: 262 Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Click here for our Facebook post.
End Of Era for T-Fusion Steakhouse
The long time, 17 year establishment in Marine Park, T Steakhouse has closed. They have such gratitude to all their past and present customers and thank you for your support and love. Don’t worry, the owner, Allison has mentioned in conversation that there is a new venture coming and they will let us know when they are prepared. Please be sure the check out our Facebook post here and share your favorite T Steakhouse memories.
The last day for Tea for Two was on 8/20 and will surely be missed. This is truly an end of an era for the Brooklyn community, dating back over 3 decades ago. Please be sure to check out our Facebook post here and share your favorite Tea for Two memories.
Essen Deli being called out and their response on GKRF
In a conversation about What Would You Do? a valuable lesson was learned. It came from a rebuttal, by owner Yitzy Jacobson has recently been posted on our Facebook page, responding to an upset customer and his response that night. The owner clarified that this customer was a walk-in on a busy night, and the customer had left for 25 min in which time his name was called with no response. Jacobson, further stated that after he offered this customer as spot in line, the customer became infuriated and threated to leave a nasty review on GKRF before leaving the restaurant.
As a reminder to the Kosher community, let’s be mindful of how hard our kosher restaurants work to make everyone happy. Reservations are always the recommended way to ensure you receive a table at your restaurant of choice. Please see a link to this Facebook post here.
New Castell’s Dairy Restaurant has opened in Brooklyn on Avenue U
Castell’s is an upscale dairy restaurant bringing Italy to the streets of Brooklyn. The chef has created an authentic Italian menu using the freshest of ingredients and attention to detail. Click here to see our Facebook post announcement with Castell’s menu here.
Kai Pera takes over for J2 Pizza
I’m excited to announce that Mazal Werczberger, former longtime owner of Orchedia, has taken over the location of J2 Pizza on Avenue J and has renovated it into more of a cafe. Now in its soft opening pase Kai Pera will be keeping the ordering at the counter pizza by slice and pie option, but they have introduced a more sophisticated menu, waiter service style for lunch and dinner, that is sorely missed on Avenue J. Please stay tuned to our Facebook page and WhatsApp for updates. Located at: 1312 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230 718-338-8156 Click here for our Facebook post.
Fruits by Pesha opening Sunday, September 8th
Join FRUITS BY PESHA for their soft opening this Sunday, September 8th. They are excited to offer a variety of items including Chalav Visrael gelato, fresh cut fruits and vegetables, and much more! And enjoy free soft serve ice cream from 12 PM to 6 PM (1 free soft serve ice cream per customer) Located at: 805 Ave U, Brooklyn NY
Morelia Gourmet Paletas coming soon
New kosher ice-cream store is coming to Upper East Side. Like there other locations they will have a variety of hand crafted palatas to dip, top and enjoy. Stay tuned for more updates. Click here for our Facebook post.
LONG ISLAND
Ondas by Fuego opens in the Five Towns
The anticipation is over, Ondas by Fuego has officially brought Miami to the Five Towns with their Mexican-Latin menu. Whether you’re going for a celebration or a night-on-the town the fun atmosphere is sure to make any meal memorable. Located at: 488 Central Ave, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 (Former location of Sushi Metusyan) Check out their menu here. Please click here for our latest Facebook post
Crave USA has opened!
The famous Machane Yehuda restaurant Crave has opened its doors and has the Five Towns talking. Crave USA will be serving their iconic American style Jerusalem restaurant menu favorites like Duck Frites, Rodeo Burger and the mouthwatering Truffle Burger. Crave USA also has their “Buy a sandwich for an Israeli soldier” program which allows you to buy a meal for our beloved hero Chayalim. If that isn’t enough, they also have a great LUNCH SPECIAL in which you get an order of fries and a can of soda with your purchase of a menu item. Located at: 12 Irving Pl, Woodmere, NY 11598 (Formerly West Wing). Please see our latest Crave USA update on our Facebook page here.
Five Town Smash House opening was a SMASHING success!!!
Smash House Five Towns has opened its doors, and the positive reviews are coming in fast and furious. At the NEW Smash House Five Towns location, you will be able to enjoy the classic Smash House menu and so much more. Let’s not forget Smash House opens big, they have EPIC PRIZES to win like a Michael Jordan signed jersey, $3,500 gift voucher to Watch King, $2,000 to Sephora and much much more. Make sure to check out the Smash House website (here) to enter this amazing raffle giveaway. Located at: 594 Central Ave, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 (Former location of Kapao/Wok Tov) Please see our Facebook post here.
THAT PIZZA JOINT is open, serving artisanal pizza on Central Ave
Introducing the newest pizza place on Central Ave THAT PIZZA JOINT, serving freshly made artisanal brick oven pizza, located inside BEAN and BERRY (formerly named Ah Sah Eee Cafe) at 349 Central Ave, Lawrence, NY 11559. Store hours Sunday-Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday: 11a – 4:30p Saturday: Closed. Cholov Yisroel. Under Vaad of 5 Towns. Click here for our Facebook post.
It was a remarkable event tonight for The Next Step at DOMA.
They are a great organization that is literally doing God’s work and making people whole again. They are Israel’s only organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support to amputees.
We heard from Oz, a newlywed soldier who recently lost his leg and his father who described their powerful story of courage and resilience on October 7th. Let Us Help Take The Next Step.
Learn more and join me in donating (here) Click here for our Facebook post.
CATSKILLS
Hatzolah Air and Chaverim HEROES in Monticello.
As I left the FLAME in Monticello on my recent trip upstate, the owners were running out and had a special delivery. They were delivering food to Hatzolah Air and Chaverim of Rockland County Emergency Services after returning from Arizona and finding the missing boy. Klal Yisroel has hearos in many facets of our day-to-day lives be it Hatzolah, Chaverim etc and we are so blessed to have them protecting and serving the Jewish community and beyond. Let’s all remember to give Ha’Karat Ha’Tov to all volunteer service men and women both in good and difficult times. In this instance I was in awe of the amazing work that Hatzolah and Chaverim continue to do for the Jewish community. Please see our Facebook post here.
NEW JERSEY
Fair Lawn fire destroys several businesses in New Jersey
Owner describes feeling “helpless” as flames spread.” The fire began in the Green Dragon restaurant and quickly spread through the shopping complex leaving store owners in shock as their businesses one-by-one were consumed by fire. In this horrific fire there were three kosher food establishments Zaide’s Bakery, Fair Lawn Roadhouse and Mashu Mashu Kosher Sushi Bar who tragically lost their businesses. Please join the Fair Lawn community in helping these business get back up and running. Note, Zaide’s Bakery has found a temporary space to bake out of and supply stores. A purchase of any Zaide’s product will assist in their rebuilding. Additionally, please click on each of the other business names to assist in their Go Fund Me campaigns Fair Lawn Roadhouse Mashu Mashu Kosher Sushi Bar. Click here for our Facebook post. Picture Credit CBS.
Ishtabach from Jerusalem has opened in Toms River NJ!
The Kurdish restaurant from the outskirts of Machaneh Yehuda is now in its soft opening bringing its menu to Toms River, NJ. For those who have not tried Ishtabach yet, this is sure to be a wow moment as their signature dish the Shaburak, is sure to rock your tastebuds. The Shaburak is a calzone like bread filled with braised meat and vegetables served with at Ishtabach with their plate of salads and dips. Located at: 2140 Lakewood Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755. Be sure to stay tuned to the Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies Facebooks page (here) for updates and customer reviews like this one from Sept 3rd here. Please see our members post here.
Jerusalem Restaurant in Livingston NJ has closed its doors After decades of service to the Livingston and surrounding communities. While the restaurant has closed, owner David Matthew is currently working on a location to continue their catering and school lunch program services. Wishing David and Jerusalem Restaurant the best of luck. Click here to see GKRF members Facebook post.
PHILADELPHIA
Hey Philadelphia, extra extra read all about Mama’s Vegetarian
We have HUGE news or so we thought. The once award-winning MAMA’S VEGITARIAN FALAFEL is now open under NEW ownership. While a new restaurant is usually exciting news, the new Mama’s comes with legal troubles. Prior to opening the new and original owners agreed that the new location would not have the same name or use the original recipes as the original owners wanted to keep the name and proprietary recipes for their family to use only. However, the new owners had different plans and decided to break the agreement, opening under the same Mama’s Vegetarian name and hired a past employee who remembers said recipes. Needless to say, this Falafel comes with some sour pickles. Kashrut certification by Keystone-K Kashrut see our Facebook post here. Located at: 18 South 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Please see our Facebook post here.
SOUTH FLORIDA
New Subaba Subs opens is Ft. Lauderdale!!
The members are talking, the new sub shop is making fresh delicious sandwiches. They have the classics like Pastrami and Corned beef but what catches the eye is their specialty sandwich menu like the Phili “Cheese” Steak or Hot Short Rib sandwich. Be sure to post about your Subaba Subs experience here. Please see our members Facebook post here.
CHICAGO
It’s been a Summer of fun in the sun and traveling for Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies. Our Summer travels brought us back to the Windy City and boy did the Kosher food hit the spot, we even brought some to a baseball game. Here is a recap of all the delicious bites we enjoyed while in Chicago.
- DAY #1 Meals:
- First stop off the plane brunch at Sarah’s Brick Oven, click link for our Instagram live. Located at: 4032 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076
- Grabbed a late lunch by Ken’s Diner & Grille and got to see the new owners of Ken’s, click here here: Located at: 3353 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60076
- Brought some SMOKE by Crunch: to the Yankees vs White Sox game. I even went live on Instagram live and enjoyed a BBQ feast. Located at: 6255 N McCormick Blvd, Chicago, IL 60659
- DAY #2 Meals:
- Dropped by Hamachi Sushi for lunch, click link for Instagram live. Located at: 2801 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60645
- Popped for early dinner apps at YOKO the newest Chicago restaurant. Check out the great presentation here. Located at: 4034 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076
- Enjoyed my dinner’s main course at Evita Steakhouse at their 5 Course wine paring event. I also popped on Facebook live to bring the GKRF fans into the fun. Located at: 6112 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
- Drop By Visits:
- Dropped by the CRC Kosher Certification headquarters for a look into the operations of one of the biggest Kosher certification companies serving Kosher consumers worldwide.
- Picked up some Chicago “must have” treats at Romanian and wished we had smell-oh-vision on Instagram live. 7200 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
- Grabbed some pre-visiting day candy at Candy Squared. Check out their selection on out Instagram here. Located at: 3366 W Devon Ave. Lincolnwood, Illinois 60712
LAS VEGAS
Check out the restaurants from my recent trip to the sunny Las Vegas. Please click on the restaurant name for the link to our Facebook posts to see the full experience.
- DAY #1 Meals:
- Enjoyed breakfast with a friend at Vaskers Bakery and Restaurant. Check out our Instagram live here. Located at: 4235 S Fort Apache Rd #250, Las Vegas, NV 89147
- Grabbed some lunch at Italo Pizza (former location of Ariela’s Pizza) and check out their sushi menu. Located at: 7595 West Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89128
- Sat down for a late dinner at Burnt Offerings with owner Alexandra and discussed some exciting dishes to come. See our Instagram live here. Located at: 3909 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
- DAY #2 Meals:
- Picked up some lunch from Shawarma Paradise before heading onto the road to Los Angeles. See my Instagram live for my full lunch. I also dropped in on Day 1 for a behind the scenes before the busy dinner rush here. Located at: 4850 West Flamingo Road, Ste #50 Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
- Great Kosher Restaurant Fans Q&A: Check out my Q&A with fans on Instagram.
- Drop By Visits:
- Popped into Mothers Falafel and watched the chefs make homemade pitas. See our Instagram post here. Located at: 6375 S Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89118
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Let’s recap my trip to Los Angeles. I truly enjoyed my trip to LA and even got a surprise rain shower. But let’s get to the bites I enjoyed. Please click on the restaurant’s name for my full Facebook post.
- DAY #1:
- Dinner at La Gondola with a live presentation from the Jewish Nomads. Located at 9025 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
- DAY #2:
- Dropped by the busy Lamalo Cafe for a delicious breakfast. Check out our Instagram live here. Located at: 8837 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035.
- Enjoyed an el fresco outdoor dinner at Schwartz Deli & BBQ. Take a look at some delicious food here. Located at: 8820 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
- DAY #3:
- Grabbed a LOADED Boureka for lunch at Bibi Bakery & Cafe. Check out, behind the scenes at Bibi’s here. Located at: 8928 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
- Dropped in for dinner at Next Door. Knock Knock…who’s there? It’s our Instagram post here. Located at: 7475 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
- DAY #4:
- Grabbed a late lunch at Toast Cafe. Check out our delicious bites from our Instagram live here. Located at: 15001 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.
- Dinner with La Gondola the new exclusive caterer at the Waldorf Beverly Hills. Check out the night’s festivities on the GKRF Instagram and Facebook pages Post 1 Post 2 Post 3 Post 4. Located at 9025 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
- Drop By Visits:
- Popped into Pats Restaurant Steakhouse for a quick look at their renovated indoor seating. Please see our post here. Located at: 9320 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
- Got reeled into Fish Grill to check out what the chefs are grilling up. GKRF Instagram page. Locations LA, Lakewood & Brooklyn
- Got an exclusive first look at the new Modern Bread & Bagel. Check out my Instagram live here. Located at: 260 N Beverly Drive, Los Angeles, CA
- Popped into Lenny’s Casita to check out their expanded store front here. Located at: 8823 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
- Grabbed some pastries for the road at Bellas Bread & Butter. Check out our post here on the GKRF Facebook page. Located at: 7212 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046
- Checked out the brand new Madela Pizza Pasta. Take a look at our Facebook post here. Located at: 7565 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
- Grabbed a fresh slice at Pizza World and didn’t even have to swipe my credit card. Paid via a QR code linked to their Venmo. Please see our post here. Located at: 365 South Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
- Popped into the BRAND NEW Basbussa. Check out there gorgeous dining room here. Located at: 8338 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
- Swung by Mr. Shilohs to see their elegant outdoor seating. Check out our Facebook post here. Located at: 8939 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90035
- Got a sneak peek into Lieders new Kosher incubator kitchen. Check out our Instagram Reel here. Located at: 8721 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
- Popped into Bo-re-kas for an exclusive look and their new menu item called the Tzafon. Check out my Instagram live here. Located at: 15030 Ventura Blvd Ste 25, Sherman Oaks, Ca 91403
Los Angeles has a new Pizza and Pasta place in town
MADELA Pizzaria and Pastaria opened its doors for business on August 19th and the LA community is buzzing. They will be serving up freshly made to order brick oven Pizzas and Pastas. The name is a play on MADE in LA as well as other reasons. Located at 7565 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Click here to see our Facebook post.
Montreal
Montreal has a new dairy restaurant Noam is serving up fresh wood fired pizza, pastas, salads, smoothies, acai bowls and so much more. Please see our Facebook followers post here and be sure to post about your Noams experience on our Facebook page here.
Panama City, Panama
Anyone traveling to Panama soon? Rest assure you will be able to find some kosher bites at Tocumen International Airport in Panama. New to the airport Fresh Kosher by Organik has made kosher travel that much easier with its new kiosk. The kiosk will have sandwiches, snacks and drinks to ensure you don’t go hungry on your flight. Located in: Terminal 2 between Gates 216-218. Please see our Facebook post here. Thanks to Go Kosher Panama for the tip.
Baha Mar, Bahamas
Celebrate Winter Break with the family at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar!
For a limited time, book the Yeshiva Winter Break Package for stays of 5 nights or more and receive 20% off standard rates and enjoy a $350 food and beverage credit. Dine at Cinko Asian Latino Grill and Knosh Food Truck, the only Chabad certified Kosher restaurants in The Bahamas. During Yeshiva Break, additional Kosher offerings and Shabbat dinner/lunch will be available. Baha Mar activities offer the luxury of choice, unwind at ESPA, tee off at our Jack Nicholas designed Royal Blue Golf Course, try your luck in the Baha Mar casino, relax at one of 10 distinct pools, or ride the waves and slides at the Baha Bay luxury waterpark. Book your stay now, before space runs out.
Booking dates: now – 1/10/25. Stay dates: 1/11/25 – 2/6/25
Minimum length of stay: 5 days. Offer code: WINTER
Click here to book and see other deals
For any kosher related questions, email [email protected]
Please click here for our Facebook Post
London, England
Sad news: Beloved Rebuens Deli located in Central London was devastated by fire on August 9th. Please join us and the London community in showing Rebuens Deli our support and well wishes. Please see GKRF member Facebook post here. Located at: 79 Baker St, Marylebone, London W1U 6RG
