As you can
see, the method of celebrating birdthdays in "Hansonland" is as varied
as the birthday being celebrated. It was in this spirit that the bacnd,
their family, and thier friends celebrated a rather unusual birthday in
early May of this year. The nation of Isreal was commemorating its 50th
anniversary, and HANSON took advantage of the festivities surrounding the
event to venture into Manhattan's Lower East Side. Our mission? To explore
New York City's kosher deli culture. Our stop? None other thatn the renowned
Second Avenue Deli.
Our culinary
celebration began with Chicken Matzoball Soup, which we all enjoyed. The
soupd was followed by everyone's first experience with Chopped Liver, a
taste that did not win many people's favor. Next was the main attraction:
large platters of the second Avanue Deli's famous Corned Beef, Pastrami
and Brisket. The meat was accompanied by freshly baked rye bread and condiments,
allowing us to create our own sandwiches. Everybody loved the result-thick
and meaty sandwiches with a never before experienced taste Yum!! The mael
was followed by a dessert of Chocolate Rugulah, a bite sized sweet pastry;
the perfect conclusion to a glorious feast.
There was one dish that earned rave reviews was a mystery to all (except yours truly). Throughout the meal the resturaunt staff conintuously provided bowls of a fresh grain and pasta side dish for us to enjoy during the meal. The predictable question asked by all was "what is this?" At last, the good Doctor was in his element. I explained to my curious companions the dish was called Kasha Varnishkas, a traditional Jewish holiday fave consisting of thick, bow shaped egg noodles with buckwheat groats. There is no need to wait another 50 years to enjoy this histoic dish; it is delicous any time. and especially satisfying on cold winter days as a light supper, lunch or even breakfast. |