OPENINGS, UPDATES, NEWS, EVENTS
December 2024
NEW YORK / NEW JERSEY
Patis Bakery Offers 50% off all bread every Friday in December
All challah and bread is 50% off every Friday in December
Walk-in to their store (available in all their NY and NJ locations) and mention the deal or order online for pick up or delivery.
Use this promo code at checkout: BRCH50
Order online at www.Patis.com
FREE DELIVERY on orders above $30
Click here to see our Facebook post with all the locations.
MANHATTAN
Cue “Enter Sandman,”the Closer at Wolf & Lamb in Manhattan
Recently Yankees legend Mariano Rivera who enjoyed dinner at Wolf & Lamb Steakhouse. Over dinner Mariano spent time talking to the owners about his time on Yankees. Additionally, Mariano spoke about his interaction with the Jewish community and the impact we had on his career. Please see our Facebook post here.
Kashrut announcement for Great American Health Bar
Great American Health Bar has announced they are now under the supervision of the OU and 100% Cholov Yisroel.
Located at: 35 West 57th Street (off 6th Avenue), New York, NY. Please see our Facebook post here.
Talia’s to host Persian Week during Chanukah
TALIA’S STEAKHOUSE on the Upper West Side will be hosting Chef Nasrin Rejali this Chanukah with a Persian Popup all week long. Very festive for the week (December 25 – 29th) with a tasting menu for 2 is $135+tax/tip includes. Located at: 668 Amsterdam Ave, New York, 10025. Please see our Facebook post with all the info here.
Want to make a Chanukah party in the restaurant? Click here for their group dining menu. Click here for their Chanukah catering menu. Contact them: https://taliassteakhouse.com
Email: [email protected]
Talia’s Steakhouse & Bar & Shawarma Shabazi are located at 668 Amsterdam Avenue (92nd -93rd Streets) | New York, NY 10025
Babka Bailout opens at Bryant Park Winter Village
Look no further than Babka Bailout this winter season. They have opened a popup stand in Bryant Parks Winter Village and people are certainly lining up for their delicious Babka creations. The owner has been baking up fun and traditional Babkas to the masses since 2020 and the business has not slowed since. Please be sure to let us know what you think on GKRF Facebook page. Please see our Facebook members post here.
LONG ISLAND
Exciting news, NOIR in Great Neck has a new chef in town
NOIR has a new chef in town, and you’re going to love the new menu. I recently went to Noir’s first night with their new chef, Chef Jessica Masanott and had a blast. Let me be the first to tell you, the new menu is outstanding, its super fresh and exciting. Chef Jessica is a classically trained chef with many years of high-level experience with her most recent tenure being at the Israeli famed restaurant Malka. Please see my interview with Chef Jessica Masanott here to learn more about the Chef and view our fun Facebook posts here and here.
Bravo Pizza has officially opened in Great Neck
I recently stopped by the new Bravo Pizza to wish the owners Hatzlacha Raba on their new restaurant. Let me be the first to tell you, the place is beautiful, modern and super spacious. The new location will be serving up the classic Bravo Pizza menu with fresh pizza, salads and crispy fries just to name a few. Please be sure to post about your Bravo Pizza Great Neck experience. Located at: 25 Cutter Mill Rd, Great Neck, NY, 11021. Please see our Facebook post here.
Very Juice in Great Neck is now open
Breaking news, the new Kosher Very Juice location has opened up in Great Neck and the town is talking. They will have their regular menu including juices, amazing açaí bowls, salads and so much more. Please be sure to post about your experience on our Facebook page. Located at: 32 Middle Neck Road Great Neck NY. Please see our Facebook members post here.
LAFFA BAR AND GRILL hosts Couples Paint Night event in Hewlett!
LAFFA BAR & GRILL in conjunction with Pencil N’ More Art Studio will hosting a Pre-Hannukah Couples Paint Night on Saturday night, December 21st at 8:00pm in Hewlett. Make your painted masterpiece with that special someone and enjoy a nice hot buffet of food from Laffa Bar & Grill for $160 per couple. For questions about the event, please call (917) 450-5944
SIGN UP for COUPLE PAINT NIGHT HERE
Located at:1326 Peninsula Blvd, Hewlett, NY, 11557
ZUSHA is coming to the Chabad of West Hempstead
Did you see ZUSHA with the Chabad of West Hempstead last year for Chanukah? Well, he’s coming back for another Zusha X Chabad WH Pre-Channukah Concert with a full band! Join me and the community on the 22nd of Kislev, which just so happens to also be the 22nd of December for an evening of Music, Dancing, Energy, and Light. WHERE: HANC ECC-240 Hempstead Ave, West Hempstead, NY, 11552. Please see our Facebook post for more info here. For Tickets: https://chabadwesthempstead.org/zusha5785
BROOKLYN
PATIS BAKERY now located in FRUITS BY PESHA
I decided to stop into Brooklyn after Thanksgiving to see the spot and show you what’s going on. Patis is sure to be a great addition to the STORE. Now you’ll be able pick your favorite Patis pastry and coffee and your Fruits by Pesha dried fruit in a one-stop-shop. Located at 805 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY. Please see our Facebook post here
Jus by Julie opening soon in Flatbush
Recently one of the Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies Facebook followers broke the news as she spotted the newest Jus by Julie location. We are here to confirm that this is true and in the works. The newest location will be on Avenue J in Flatbush. Soon you will be able to enjoy you fresh juices, salads and paninis. Please stay tuned to our Facebook for updates. Please see our Facebook members post here.
Can’t keep a woman down…Alison Kahn is back in the dining room
Guess who is now helping at YAKAR Steakhouse on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn? Allison Kahn, former owner of T Steakhouse, is now at Yakar. She can’t stay away from being in restaurants. But seriously, this is a great addition to a restaurant that should get more recognition.
Stop by today or in the near future and say welcome back to Allison. I know she’d love to see you. Located at: 1385 Coney Island Ave (off Avenue J), Brooklyn, NY 11230. Please see our Facebook post here.
URBAN POPS opening another store in Flatbush
The popular sweet on a stick store is opening soon on Avenue J and East 13th. You can find them at these locations:
- 518 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY 11223
- Munch, 1376 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
- Jus by Julie Lakewood, 700 Cedarbridge Ave, Lakewood, NJ
- Ouri’s Market, 1160 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065
MONSEY
BDE Tragedy strike Churrasko and Primavera family
It is with great sadness that I share the news that there was a tragic passing in the family of Churrasko and Primavera restaurants in Monsey. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family in this time of bereavement. If you can please not ask for more details, I rather not say more. Note, the restaurants may be closed for a few days. Please see our Facebook post here.
CHANUKAH IN POCONOS
POCONO KOSHER at the beautiful Scranton Hilton
Friday 12/27-Sunday 12/29. Less than 2 hours from NYC!
To contact them: WhatsApp- (570) 587-3300
Email- [email protected]
To book and find out pricing: NEPA Chanukah Fest 2024 – jewishnepa.com
*Kid’s camp- Professional kids program with a full Shabbos of activities, games and prizes for ages 2-11.
*Catered meals- Includes toameha welcome buffet, Friday night dinner, Shabbos breakfast, kiddush, seudas Shabbos, Shalosh Seudos, Saturday night Melaveh Malkah party stations, and Sunday hot breakfast.
*Saturday night VR experience and family arcade
*Live concert by Mega Singer Eli Marcus
*Jewish Karaoke and Macabee Photo Booth
ROCHESTER
Naftali and Anna Hanau purchase Lipman’s Kosher Market
A message from Naf: With great gratitude to the Most High, I’m excited to announce that as of January 1, 2025, Anna and I will be the new owners of Lipman’s Kosher Market (and Malek’s Bakery) in Rochester, NY. I grew up around the corner from Lipmans, and have a lifelong passion for making delicious meats and feeding people. After moving back to Rochester last year, the stars have aligned and it’s become clear to everyone that this is the right next step. We’re grateful to Aharon Baruch for his years of service and are looking forward to continuing and building on his commitment to the community. We’re not going to be making too many huge changes right away, but you can look forward to some new sandwiches, new items, and online ordering in 2025. We have also been running Malek’s Bakery this last year on behalf of Hillel Community Day School and we are happy to be able to keep this important community business operating and serving Rochester and all of Western NY. We will formally take ownership of Malek’s Bakery. Click here to read the Facebook post.
NEW JERSEY
Lakewood’s SNAPS is getting a huge update…
Recently owner Yussi Doubleu dropped a bombshell on us posting that he was closing his long-time fast casual SNAPS restaurant in favor of a new full-service restaurant. While we will surely miss SNAPS, we’re excited about this new venture. So, what is this new venture, here’s some more information along with a soft menu. The restaurant will be called AGRIPAS STREET, an ode to the famous Jerusalem block. This reimagined restaurant, will be chef driven (Yussi is driving), celebrating Israeli-style food with an artistic twist. It will be authentic comfort food, just elevated. Check out the soft opening menu above. It looks awesome and pretty for pricing. As the transition will be happening over the coming day/weeks please stay tuned to GKRF Facebook for updates. Located at: Westgate Plaza 84 Hillside Blvd, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Please see our Facebook post here for full details
SEARED in Lakewood Has Closed; Social Media debates the reason
Click this link for a letter from the restaurant’s contractor Yitzy Tessler abiut his thoughts on the closing. Did a viral receipt put them in a whole they weren’t able to shake? Read my Facebook post for a conversation on the situation. For me personally, I have known Moshe, the owner, for 20 years, and very often we forget there is a person, perhaps a couple, people who have spent their life savings, years of time and effort to build a restaurant, yes, to make a living, to earn a profit, but something they work towards. We if we spread harsh negativity, all of that can be destroyed.
The power of social media is strong and many of us have seen how it can hurt a restaurant. Was this the reason they eventually closed, not sure, was this an extremely difficult hurdle to overcome, yes. I wish Moshe and Frumee hatzlacha. We will notify who may be taking over but now is not the time.
Yalla Teaneck Restaurant Row is making some moves
In the coming weeks Yalla will be moving locations just a few stores up on West Englewood Avenue. Yalla will be bringing its Shawarma rotisseries and setting up shop in its new location in the former Smoked Bites location. Please note the above Chanukah Popup in the former Yalla location by Roadhouse. Please see our Facebook members post here.
Roadhouse opens Chanukah pop-up at former Yalla Teaneck
Roadhouse from Fairlawn, which had a bad fire earlier this year, is doing a Chanukah Pop Up in what will be the old Yalla space. This will be temporary as they hope to have a new home soon. They have a limited but unique menu with a new loaded latke being highlighted each night (December 25-January 2nd). Where: 206 W Englewood Ave, Teaneck, NJ, 07666. Please see our Facebook post here.
SOUTH FLORIDA
Double Happy Chinese opens in Miami Beach!
The newest Miami Chinese restaurant DOUBLE HAPPY CHINESE has opened its doors. The Double Happy Chinese restaurant will be “bringing the authentic taste of New York City’s Chinatown to vibrant Miami Beach with Glatt Kosher Chinese cuisine.” They are available on DoorDash for delivery and do takeout/catering from the restaurant. Certified under the Vaad Hakashrut of Miami. Located at: 4101 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140. Please see our breaking Facebook post here.
Shipudim is leveling up their Motzei Shabbos menu
It brings us excitement to announce the NEW Motzei Shabbat additions to the Shipudim regular menu. Shipudim recently rolled out their new street food menu, including freshly ground ribeye hamburgers, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, wings, and a variety of wraps. The are currently open on Saturday nights from 8:00pm – 2:00am. Located at: 5650 Stirling Road, Hollywood, Fl 33021. Please see our Facebook members post here.
Playa Bowl has opened in West Palm Beach
Exciting breaking news for West Palm Beach, Playa Bowl has opened it’s newest location ans get this its KOSHER. The new location will be certified under the Sunshine State Kosher certification. Note there will be Parve and Chalov Stam items on the menu. Located at: 1900 West Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach Fl. Please the Sunshine State Kosher Facebook post here.
Breaking news, GRILL PLACE opens in Boca Raton.
This week Grill Place has opened its doors with its new grill menu. They will be bringing the Israeli grill vibes to Boca Raton with items like Shawarma, Falafel and Schnitzel. Additionally, they will be serving up a huge Shabbos takeout menu with many Shabbos table classics. Please be sure to post about your first experiences at Grill Place. Certified under the ORB. Located at: 265 NE Spanish River Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Please see our Facebook post here.
We can finally announce. PANINO from Hollywood (and originally from Brooklyn) is setting up shop in Surfside as well. Former location of TYO Sushi at 9594 Harding Avenue. They hope to open in a few weeks in time for the winter rush. This is a great addition to the block as there is no fast-food sandwich place in the area. Will be great for people on the go and for those cravings late at night. Stay tuned for opening day details. Please see our Facebook post here.
The critically acclaimed AZUMARE in Hallandale will be moving into the former location of Izzy’s BBQ in the Aventura Waterways
Azumare is a very cool Peruvian style restaurant with terrific sushi, ceviche, etc but they were plagued by a tough location on the side of a motel. They hope to open very soon for the season. Stay tuned. Located at: 3585 NE 207th St Ste C3, Aventura, FL 33180. Please see our Facebook post here.
New restaurant HOLY GRILL opens in Miami.
Introducing HOLY GRILL in the old location of Holy Bagels. They are open for lunch and dinner, so you have some options for when to check them out, especially if you work in the area. Try it out this week, and you’ll get 10% off your first order. Located at: 93 NW 1st Street Downtown Miami, FL, 33128. Please see our Facebook post here.
CHICAGO
Sarah’s Brick Oven has been changed to Eve’s Garden Cafe Everything is the same (owners, menu, staff), just a new name to refresh the brand and in honor of Michael’s wife, Eve, who decorated the restaurant nicely like a garden, so they changed the name to reflect that. Wishing Eve’s Garden Cafe many years of mazel and bracha. Located at: 4032 Oakton St, Skokie, Illinois 60076. Please see our Facebook post here.
CLEVELAND
FIAMMA BY Mendel opens in Cleveland
FIAMMA BY Mendel Segal opened on Thursday December 12th with its grand opening and the community is already a-buzz. The new Cleveland restaurant boasts a Wood-Fire Italian Fusion at Eton Chagrin Boulevard. The menu will be consisting of Italian inspired dishes and will emphasize small plates so customers will be able to share and try different menu items.
While no hours have been 100% confirmed, they have said hours will likely be 11 AM-9 PM Sunday through Thursday, and Motzei Shabbos from 1 hour after Shabbos until 1 AM.
Under Cleveland Kosher Certification. Located at: 28699 Chagrin Blvd, Woodmere, OH, 44122. Please see our Facebook post here.
LOS ANGELES
Pats Restaurant (Meat) to close
As some may know, PAT’S Restaurant (Meat) inside at The Mark will be closing for good after December 24th. The building has been bought, and they need to leave. They have joined forces with Yossi’s Catering, and they are actively looking for a new spot for their Meat restaurant. Good news is that PAT’S Dairy restaurant will still be in their original location. Pat’s Meat is located at: 9320 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035. Please see our Facebook post here.
BAGEL CAFE LA replaces Beverly Hills Bagel
I know we were all sad about the closing of Beverly Hills Bagel.
Well, it’s time to turn that frown upside-down! They will be reopening Sunday, December 15th, with a new name and some new menu items.
Instead of Beverly Hills Bagel, they are now BAGEL CAFE LA.
Located at: 8947 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035.
Click here for our Facebook post.
PANAMA CITY
Panama Exclusive…New restaurant KIKITOO is coming soon
Don’t BLAME KIKI but look out for KIKITOO. KIKITOO is Blame Kiki’s newest succursal which will be dairy kosher and also Bishul, Chalav Israel and will have Mashgiach Temidi. Located in the heart of Punta Pacífica in Panama City, they will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Bli neder it will be opening end of December 2024. Please see our Facebook post here and stay tuned for updates.
BUDAPEST
Budapest restaurant Pizza Land loses Hashkacha
Recently one of our Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies Facebook members broke the news that the Central Rabbinical Council (CRC) has pulled its certification from Pizza Land in Budapest. For the time being please note that there is no longer certification and Kashrut cannot be confirmers. Please see our Facebook members post here.
