Award-winning chef to prepare Chanukah meal, shared vitually

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Courtesy Photo Chef Michael Solomonov.

Jewish Long Beach and the Alpert Jewish Community Center jointly invite the community to a FREE Chanukah cooking demonstration on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. Celebrated Chef Michael Solomonov is the executive chef and co-owner of Zahav, the 2019 James Beard Foundation award winner for Outstanding Restaurant. He will prepare traditional Chanukah fare, but, if you want to smell or taste the food, you’ll have to prepare the recipes on your own—this demonstration is virtual and the Chef is sharing the recipes with all the registrants.

“We are excited to welcome the community into our virtual Jewish home to experience a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Chanukah meal,” said Jewish Long Beach CEO Zach Benjamin. In a live video format shared through Vimeo, the community can learn how to make the whole menu as listed below.

Apple Shrub – A shrub is a non-alcoholic syrup made with fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Add it to hot tea for a cozy, non-alcoholic holiday beverage.
Abe Fisher’s Potato Latkes – One of the most popular Chanukah dishes, could they be better than French fries? Learn the recipe from Philadelphia’s iconic Abe Fisher restaurant.
Roman Artichokes with Arugula and Olive Oil – Chef Solomonov’s take on “Carciofi Alla Giudia” or Jewish-style artichokes.

Poached Salmon – The main course is often brisket or chicken, but salmon is not uncommon.

Sfenj with Cinnamon and Sugar – Doughnuts all around! Delicately fried and covered with cinnamon sugar for dessert.

Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, which is Hebrew for “Rededication” and falls on December 10-18, 2020, Jews celebrate by lighting one candle of the menorah, or special nine-candle candelabra, each night. The Chanukah miracle of light is inspired by an event that took place in the second century B.C. As the Jews were rededicating their second Holy Temple in Jerusalem after reclaiming the city from the ancient Greeks, there was only enough oil to light candles for one night. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight nights. Thus, oil became an important part of how food is prepared for Chanukah, and the holiday lasts for eight nights.

To register, visit https://events.idonate.com/cookingdemonstration.

Formerly the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach and West Orange County, Jewish Long Beach serves the Jewish and broader communities through strategic grant-making, development of emerging leaders, advocacy, and management of the community’s philanthropic funds. The organization awards over $500,000 in grants annually to nonprofit organizations throughout Long Beach and West Orange County. It also manages approximately $30 million in assets and owns and operates the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus, which houses the Alpert Jewish Community Center and other independent Jewishly-focused community organizations.