Openings, updates, news, events
September 2024
MANHATTAN
IZZY’S BBQ Restaurant makes an exciting announcement
Introducing the new IZZY’S IZAKAYA. The smokehouse has added exciting new Korean/ Asian BBQ style dishes onto their current barbeque menu. We got our hands on the menu and it looks really cool. Chef Andre Wagner, Food Network Chopped Champion, is at the helm of this menu. What do you think? See our breaking news Facebook post here.
MODERN BREAD AND BAGEL is officially coming to Penn Station
Coming to Penn Station in Spring 2025, the addition to Modern Bread and Bagel is surely to make the Manhattan commute easier. Just picture this, you forgot your breakfast or lunch at home, and you don’t have time to run out during work hours, MBB will now have your fix. In addition to this exciting news, please watch MBB owners Orly and Josh on The Morning Show discussing their success and visions for the MBB future here. Please stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram for updates. See our breakign news Facebook post here.
New restaurant PITA BAR is open for business
Pita bar has recently opened its doors for its soft opening and their customers are already raving about the food. This is only the beginning for Pita Bar, they will be having their grand opening on September 15th and will be serving their full menu. The menu at Pita Bar is an authentic great representation of true Mediterranean glatt kosher cuisine. The new addition to the growing Kosher scene is not just a new lunch spot, it is a taste of our homeland right at our fingertips. Under OK Supervision. Located at: 11 Delancey Street, New York, New York 10002. Please see our Facebook post here.
SMASH HOUSE Burgers has opened on 37th Street
Ahead of the recent Ishay Rib concert at MSG, the newest Smash House location has opened its doors. This new location is in the perfect spot for a quick bite before an event in Manhatten or a meal on the go. This location will have the classic Smash House burger menu like their popular Loaded Smash burger, which is a Double Smash Burger with Vegan Cheese, topped with
Caramelized Onion, Beef Bacon, with Smash Sauce. Certified under the OU. Located at: 63 West 37th Street between 5th & 6th. Please see our Facebook post here.
Congratulations to NOME on their GRAND OPENING
It was a fun night at the Grand Opening of Manhattans newest restaurant NOME. The night was filled with great food, high energy and even a Sheva Bracha. The new restaurant is located at the former Mocha Red location as a rebrand for the Mocha Hospitality Group. NOME will be serving up a Nekkei style menu, which is a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines with a Latin American influence from Head Chef Santiago’s heritage. Be sure to post about your first experience at NOME. Located at: 127 4th Ave (off East 13th Street-Near Union Square), New York, NY 10003. Please see our Facebook posts here Post 1 Post 2 Post 3 Post 4 Post 5 Post 6. The fun continued on our Instagram Post 1 Post 2 Post 3 Post 4 Post 5 Post 6
Wolf and Lamb Steakhouse in Midtown host’s singles event
JDS and SYAS recently hosted a successful singles mixer event at Wolf and Lamb bringing together singles in their 20’s and 30’s. The event allowed for a more natural way to meet and chat with their potential match all while enjoying some delicious food. Wishing those at the event hatzlacha, may you be zoche to find your match soon. Please see our posts here. Post 1, post 2
New SUSHI HEIGHTS restaurant opens in Washington Heights
If one thinks about the kosher scene near YU in Washington Heights one automatically thinks of Golan Heights and Grandmas Pizza. Now the two Heights mainstay restaurants have joined in a collaboration at Sushi Heights. The new restaurant is sure to bring excitement to the area for YU student and Washington Heights residents alike. They are currently in their soft opening, serving ups fresh sushi, Asian style noodles and so much more. Under the Vaad of Riverdale. Please see our Facebook post here.
Antisemitic attack at the Blue Moon Hotel
Sadly, for those who are following, the Jewish owned Blue Moon Hotel on the Lower East Side has been a victim of harassment and boycott. The Kosher restaurant, Sweet Dreams Cafe is located in the hotel. If you’re around the area any time soon please try and stop by, support them and give them some strength. Located at: 100 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002. Please see our Facebook post here.
New restaurant ESHEL coming soon to the UWS
A new Persian Mediterranean kosher restaurant will be coming to the Upper West Side in the coming months. Please stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram for updates and any information on the menu. Please see our Facebook post here.
BROOKLYN
Baruch Dayan Ha’aemes R’Shalom Yosef Gottlieb
R’Shalom Yosef Gottlied beloved owner of Gottlieb’s in Williamsburg Brooklyn suddenly passed away on September 19th. The sudden passing comes as a complete shock to the community as September 19th would have been a monumental day for the restaurant with the scheduled visit by former President Trump. Let’s join together in wishing the Gottlieb family our condolences and support during this difficult time. We will surely miss R’Shalom Yosef Gottlieb. May his neshama have an aliya. Please see our Facebook post here.
FRUITS BY PESHA is open for business
The famous FRUITS BY PESHA has opened its first retail store and it is taking Brooklyn by storm. After its soft opening on Sunday, September 8th the community has showed up tremendously. Fruits by Pesha is a dried fruits and nuts company providing both by-the-pound sales but absolutely gorgeous, dried fruit and nut platters for all occasions. With Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot around the corner there is no time like the present to place your orders. They have a plethora of new fruits for Rosh Hashanah and show stopping platters perfect for your Sukkah table. Certified under the OK. Located at: 805 Ave U, Brooklyn NY. Please see our Facebook post here.
David Portnoy reviews Bennys Pizza
Jewish owner of Barstool Sports David Portnoy, famous for his One Bite Pizza reviews and all the amazing work he does for small businesses visits Bennys Pizza on Avenue M. In late august David Portnoy drew a big crowd, reviewing both the tradition cheese pie and also a bonus review of their famous margarita pizza. While Portnoy typically says “one bite everyone knows the rules” he took more than just the one bite of Benny’s Pizz. Like many, David Portnoy liked Benny’s Pizza scoring their regular pizza a 7.7 and the Margaritta pizza a 7.8. If one watches his reviews, you will know those are very high scores for his reviews. Located at: 1802 Avenue M, Brooklyn, NY 11230. Please see our Facebook post here.
Florencia opens its back dining room for full waiter service
For those who want to slow down the pace and enjoy a nice dairy meal Florecia has now opened up their back dining room for a full-service experience. Customers can now have the Florencia waitstaff take care of them, serving up their regular menu on nice places in their beautiful dining room. Be sure to let the GKRF fans know how your experience went. Located at: 2925 Avenue P, Brooklyn, NY 11229. Please check out our Facebook post here.
Big news, MALKA is coming to Dumbo
Following the success of the 2023 opening of kosher restaurant Malka on the Upper West Side, Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani will debut a second location of the eatery in Dumbo by the end of September. The Brooklyn outpost of the celebrated restaurant will also be fully kosher. Expect a menu similar to the one on offer in Manhattan, changing daily based on seasonal produce and ingredients. To answer the question on everyone’s mind: yes, the legendary Malka schnitzel stuff with mashed potatoes will, of course, be on the menu, sharing space with Brooklyn exclusives like the za’atar and scallion burekas steak and the desert tomato farro risotto. Located at: 56 Adams Street, Brooklyn NY, 11201. Please see our Facebook post here. News credit to prettykosher.com
QUEENS
CHIEF SMOKEHOUSE coming to Jamaica
Coming soon to the Union Turnpike, Chief’s Steakhouse will be brining something new and exciting. Please stay tuned to the GKRF Facebook and Instagram for updates. Located at: 180-10 Union Turnpike 11432. Please see our Facebook post here.
OTORO has officially opened in its doors
The newest Kosher Omakase sushi restaurant Otoro has opened its doors bringing upscale Omakase to Queens. Otoro has a top-notch team including Michelin starred chefs whose aim to bring the freshest of ingredients and new experiences to every plate. Alongside their Omakase menu they also have a regular sushi menu and Dairy/Parve dishes to enjoy. Please be sure to let us know what you think of Otoro on our Facebook page. Located at: 179-24 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, NY. Under the Vaad of Queens. Please see our Facebook post here.
Union Bistro is under new ownership
Union Bistro is making some notable changes under its new owners. They have introduced a casual dining environment with waiter service to match. The menu has also been updated to an American steakhouse menu with Middle Eastern influenced dishes. Under Vaad of Queens. Located at: 190-11 Union Tpke, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Please see our Facebook post here.
LONG ISLAND
Grilling for Israel event was smashing success
The mission for Grilling for Israel is “serving those who serve” and that they’ve accomplished. Since October 7th, they’ve served over 147,000 meals to our chayalim as they leave Gaza.
At this event at the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation, chayal Arky Staimen shared his story and how these BBQ’s raise the spirits of our chayalim after their difficult missions. The event raised money to keep this important mission going. May we be zoche to see our hostages come home soon and all chayalim return home safely. Please see our Facebook post here.
Celebrating at the Israel Chesed Center
I recently stopped by the Israel Chesed Center for a sheva bracha celebration and went on a tour learning about this unbelievable operation. Led by Moshe Bodner, the Israel Chesed Center, has been providing our chayalim with the critical gear needed to protect Israel. Since its inception on Oct 8th the center has been receiving donations and simultaneously sending equipment to the front lines. The Israel Chesed Center, has heard many lifesaving stories and miracles that took place in Gaza due to the donations the chayalim received size Oct 8th. For more information or to donate please reach out to [email protected] Located at: 1315 Peninsula Blvd, Hewlett NY. For our Facebook post please click here.
The lights have gone out at NOVO Restaurant in the 5 Towns. It was fun while it lasted but the short lived NOVO Restaurant on Central Avenue has closed. We are aware of the many changes, renovations, that the restaurant has had over the years. Let’s just say, there are reasons for everything and a lot of stuff goes on behind the scenes, not for public knowledge, but the bottom line is that there will not be another iteration of the restaurant. Perhaps something else will go in under a different owner. We thank the NOVO team for investing in the concept and wish everyone good luck in the future.
Thief breaks into Geffen Gourmet on Shabbat
The police are searching for the thief who burglarized Geffen Gourmet late Friday September 13th. The individual broke into the restaurant wearing a ski mask and made off with both cash and a safe. The owners are asking for the communities help to catch the thief. If anyone had any information, please contact the Nassau County police. Please see our Facebook post here.
NEW ROCHELLE
The North End Grill has opened
Opening for dine in this Sunday under very soft opening
Take out from 2-8pm / Sit down 4-9pm / Last seating 8:30pm
See soft menu below here (subject to change)
Bottom reported by Lohud.com
What had been the North End Tavern is now a lunch-and-dinner kosher sports bar that’s dairy [free] and nut-free. Open as of Sept. 24 for take-out only (dine-in to be offered later in the month), customers can expect the same ambiance as what existed before but with a completely new menu focused on bar food, healthy eats and meat dishes. All items are scratch-made. You can also create your own sandwiches and salads. Other choices include tacos, soups, burgers, grilled meats and chicken wings, with more than 20 sauces. The owners are encouraging feedback from the community and plan to tweak the menu according to customer needs. Liquor license to come. Stay tuned to their social media for updates. 1301 North Ave., 914-633-3224.
SCARSDALE
Breaking news, J EXPRESS opening in Scarsdale
The popular Englewood NJ pizzaria will be making its way over the New York border and opening its second location in October. J Express is known for their friendly service and out of the norm pizza combinations that we typically see at kosher pizza shops. Additionally, J Express prides themselves on using only the freshest of ingredients on their pizza and other menu items. Be sure to keep tuned to our Facebook and Instagram for updates. Located at: 733 White Plains Road, Scarsdale, NY. Please see our Facebook post here.
MONSEY
Breaking news, TOAMEHA by Heimish has now opened in Monsey
Toameha by Heimish brings Monsey the most delicious food to make the Yiddisheh soul sing. They will be bringing similar foods from their Teaneck NJ location and so much more. Toameha, will make for easy Shabbat preperation and a great location for your Leil Shimi chullent and kugel fix. Located at: 5 North Airmont Road, Airmont
Newly renovated Sheli’s Town Square taking Monsey by storm
Sheli’s has long been one of the staples of the Monsey area and they now have new look and menu to match. Sheli’s is no longer just pizza; it now boasts and full daily menu sure to fill even the biggest appetite. Aside for their delicious pizza, the new menu has fresh pastas, salads, sushi and so much more. Located at: 59 NY-59, Spring Valley, NY 10977. Please see our Facebook post here for pictures of Sheli’s Town Square renovation and new menu items.
NORTH JERSEY
Chef Uri Elbaum heading to Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen
It’s not every day that you hear of a Jewish chef heading to star on a TV show on Fox. Chef Uri Elbaum is notably one of the top Kosher chefs in the US and is known for his creativity and high-quality food. Currently, Elbaum is cooking up his famed dishes at both Butchers Steakhouse and Primavera in Deal. Now Elbaum is taking his talent to TV, representing the Kosher world and showing the world the greatness that is kosher cuisine. Join Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies in wishing Chef Uri Elbaum goof luck on Hell’s Kitchen. Please see our Facebook post here and be sure to comment your words of encouragement.
China Lee reopens in Highland Park
It has been nearly 8 months since fire broke out at China Lee. We are excited to announce that China Lee is officially back open and eager to serve the Highland Park community and its surrounding communities once again. Let’s all do our part and show our support by visiting China Lee. Under supervision of Vaad Harrabanim of Rariton Valley. Located at: 229 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904. Please see our Facebook post here.
Giddy’s Pizza has replaced House of Sugo
The owners of House of Sugo have switched things up in Toms River with a new name and menu to match. Giddy’s Pizza, gives the area a new fast dinning option to feed the family especially during a busy week. Aside for the traditional pizza shop menu, they have milkshakes to pair with your meal. To top it off, they also provide free delivery for orders over $25. Under the supervision of Kehillos Chareidim. Located at: 2360 Lakewood Road, Toms River, NJ. Please see our Facebook post here.
MIZNON opening this Wednesday at Bellworks in Holmdel, NJ
New Joisy, a date has been set. MIZNON Kosher, the Mediterranean Street Food Restaurant by Israeli Chef Eyal Shani is opening this Wednesday. Weekday Hours: 11am-8pm
Located at: 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel NJ 07733.
Right off Garden State Parkway.
25 minutes from Long Branch, NJ / 35 minutes from Lakewood
Under the OU Supervision
MIELE GELATO has opened in Toms River
To end the 5784 on a sweet note, Miele Gelato celebrated their grand opening on Sunday 9/29 in Toms River. Miele Gelato prides itself in bringing authentic handcrafted Gelato and Sorbet from the streets of Italy to the pint and now to their new storefront.
The new shop has 18 dairy and parve gourmet Gelato and Sorbet options to top their selection of 24 gourmet topped cones. Picture this gourmet desert, a scoop of Nutella chocolate Gelato on top of a chocolate dipped cone rolled on toasted hazelnuts. Miele Gelato is certified Kosher (KCL) Located at: 2164 Lakewood Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755. Please see our Facebook post here.
WEST HARTFORD, CT
Gveenah will be opening in West Hartford in November
It has been a while since West Hartford had a new restaurant open and Gveenah will surely bring excitement to the neighborhood. The restaurant will be a true fusion of Mediterranean food serving food from Israel, Greece, Turkey and even some Italian dishes too. While the store is said to be on the smaller side, they plan to be known for their super fresh and made-in-house menu instead of using pre-prepared ingredients. Please see our Facebook members post here.
SOUTH FLORIDA
Hold on a second, Lulu Kosher Deli now RECERTIFIED by the ORB
As you may have seen in the last newsletter the kosher restaurant industry has a lot of twists and turns. In a huge turn of events the ORB director Rabbi Sholey Klein has reinstated their certifiaction with Lulu’s Kosher Deli and there are officially under the ORB. As seen in our Facebook post (here) both parties have come to a mutual agreement after the restaurant apologized and they thank the community for their support. Wishing Lulu’s many years of success. Located at: 11379 W Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, FL.
KC MARKET Hallandale officially opens ahead of the Chagim
It has been 3 years in the making and we are beyond excited to announce that KC Market is officially open in Hallandale. The market opens with a bang, bringing much excitement to the community ahead of the Chagim. KC Market prides itself in being a one-stop-shop, allowing its customers to shop for all their kosher needs without making a second stop on the way home. The newest Kosher grocery has a state-of-the-art store with a full grocery selection, in house butcher, fish section, bakery, sushi station, florist, soon to be wine market and so much much. Please be sure to post on our Facebook letting us know what you think of the new KC Market. Located at: 1002 East Hallandale Blvd, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. Please see our Facebook post here.
Legendary Lenny’s Pizza closes its doors in Hollywood
We have sad news coming out of Hollywood, Lenny’s Pizza has been sold and will be closing this location. In the letter posted on our Facebook, the owner expressed his gratitude and how much he appreciates all the business and memories that the Hollywood community brought to Lenny’s. Note, you can still head over to Lenny’s Pizza in Boca Raton for your fix. Located at: 6600 Stirling Rd, Hollywood, FL. Please see our Facebook post here.
First of its Kind: Barrel Wine and Cheese opens
The new Hallandale Beach destination Barrel Wine and Cheese is a new concept to hit the Florida Kosher scene. You will be able to have a unique experience each and every visit. At Barrel Wine & Cheese you can enjoy a self-serve wine tasting from over 50 options daily and purchase from their vast selection of both traditional and boutique wineries. But wait there’s food, you can also pair their artisanal cheeses with your wine, snack on some tapas or stay for a delicious lunch prepared by chef David Benrey of Street Kitchen. Certified under the ORB Pas Yisrael and Chalav Yisrael. Located at: 419 N Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. Please see our Facebook posts here Post 1, Post 2, Post 3
Bagel Boss opens its 4th location in Miami Beach
Breaking news, Bagel Boss in Miami is now open for business and ready to serve the Miami community all its visitors. This location will have the traditional Bagel Boss menu, including favorite like their freshly baked bagels, plethora of schemers, salads, wraps, paninis and so much more. This is sure to be a hot spot for the community whether grabbing a Sunday morning breakfast or a bagel to go. Certified under the ORB. Located at: 740 Arthur Godfrey Rd, Miami Beach, FL. Please see our Facebook posts post 1 post 2
SARA’S PIZZA re-opens in Hollywood
After a few years hiatus, SARA’S PIZZA is re-opening Saturday night. September 21st. Hours from 8:45-11:45pm. See other hours.
Limited menu of only pies as they slowly open and build up their menu. Yes, all the favorites and classics are coming back.
Check out their menu. Who’s going to be the first one at the door?
Located at: 3944 Stirling Road, Hollywood, FL. 964-986-1770
Lulu Kosher Deli is no longer certified under the ORB
ORB director Rabbi Sholey Klein dropped this news from Boca Raton. After just a few weeks of being opened, Lulu’s is no longer under ORB supervision. Sadly, Lulu’s has come out on their social media page disparaging the ORB and their mashgichim. I will say knowing Rabbi Klein, Rabbi Cheruty, Rabbi Feigelstock for years, the ORB is one of the most respected Kashrus organizations in the country and it’s a shame that the owner has chosen to make this ugly. Unfortunately, sometimes personalities just don’t get along and you can’t work with them. Wishing everyone success. Located at: 11379 W Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33428. Please see Lulu’s Facebook post here.
Aventura’s legendary Pita Plus says goodbye
After 35 years in business and serving the Aventura community, Pita Plus has closed its doors for good. The Great Kosher Restaurant Foodies community wishes the owners the best of luck in all future and current endeavors. Please joins the community and post on our Facebook page your favorite Pita Plus memories. Located at: 18833 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33180. See our Facebook members post here.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles Kosher catering Merger
After 30+ years at the top of the Los Angeles restaurant and catering scene Pats Restaurant has now merged with Yossi’s Productions. Pats has been a staple in the Los Angeles community for over 30 years and has always been at the top of the communities list when making considerations for a caterer. As for Yossi’s Productions, they may be new to the scene, but they certainly came in with a boom, winning over many catering jobs and they have the community buzzing. With these two strong caterers joining forces, Los Angeles is certainty in for a treat at each and every event going forward. As the two merge Pat Restaurant will be temporarily closed as they renovate for the merger. Located at: 9233 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035. Please see our members Facebook post here.
