London Kosher Guide Blog

Autumn in Judiaism is traditionally a time for reflection of the year that has been and what we set out sites on for the year ahead. It is also a time of food and that is what I would like to reflect about today, the different types of food we eat during the High Holy Days.

 -Apple dipped in honey: symbolizes a sweet year.

- A pomegranate is often used as this new fruit. In the Bible, the Land of Israel is praised for its pomegranates. It is also said that this fruit contains 613 seeds just as there are 613 commandments.

- Another food that is traditional to have is the head of an animal. Wouldn’t it be great coming to the dinner table with the head of a cow or a goat in the middle! Some go for the less harsh look of the head of fish. The purpose for this is so we should we pray to G-d that we be the head and not the tail.

Forget going to Manchester for Curry Mile, it seems that NW London is the new place to get your curry - Kosher curry that is. There are now 4 Kosher indian restaurants in London. This situation begs to be asking the question - are there enough people interested in eating a Kosher curry? I would have to say that the ambiance in the newest restaurant is very nice and is a great dining experiance. However, can we not just get a place to serve a £5 Kosher curry!?!

I happened to be in Edgware yesterday after work and was at that time of the evening where all you can think about is dinner time. I had a choice of going home or heading to Ralphy’s New York Grill which was staring me straight in the face. Like all good Jews I listened to my stomach and went straight for Ralphy’s. This was the 1st time I had actually been there and was thinking it quite resembled Dougie’s in New York. I started off by having a Combo Platter for two - yes that’s right, for two. But to be honest with you, it’s a good thing I was only one person because it sure wouldn’t have been enough for two. Since I thought I was eating a starter for two, I settled on ordering a Manhattan Pastrami Burger. The burger was good and tasty, but that’s about it. I enjoyed the food I ate, but would have to say there wasn’t anything that special about it. I don’t know if I would make a special trip to specifically eat at Ralphy’s again since there are now quite a few places to go for burger and “American” grill food.

With the holiday of Shavuot now behind us, I wonder, who has the best cheesecake in NW London? With kosher bakeries and cafes now on every corner of Finchley, Hendon, Edgware and Golders Green, the competition is heating up. Will it be Mr. Baker hoisting the belt or the veteran Carmelli taking them all by storm. After much tasting and deliberation (and a few notches let loose on my belt), it seems that Bonjour has come out on top leading the pack. Its creaminess and rich texture along with the several varieties to choose from make this patisserie the clear winner.

Brent Street is now hip, chic and cool. I went into Pizaza pizza last Saturday night at about midnight (do you sense a theme here?!?) and was shocked to see the place packed. Every table was full, people were coming in and out for take out orders and there was a wait to be seated. After all these years, NW London finally has a Kosher boutique restuarant. Sure Pizaza could have opened like any other pizza joint with the usual dirty floors and no character, but this is now the place to be seen. I love the Pizza oven that looks like it just came out of the Flinstones with its plasma screens hanging on the side. The booth seeting is quite cool - but can get a little tight since it only fits 4. By the way - the pizza is great. I’d go for a stuff crust American feast pizza and wash it down with a mars bar milk shake.

Even though I spend all of Shabbat eating, there is always that sudden urge after Shabbat is over for a quick takeway to rid those midnight cravings (with Shabbat now finishing past 10pm, it sure feels like midnight). The usual callings would have bene to Carmelis or Sollys, but I noticed that across the street that Chopstix was open. Not only was it open, they also claim to be open until 5am! So, if you thought that NY was the city that never sleeps, I think that Golders Green has now taken over.