Glatt Kosher Covid Wedding…read more
Since I have been a food writer for the last 20 years or so (whew!), I have been so disappointed with Kosher food. It always seems very lackluster. I mean, it's almost, but not quite. Maybe because Reuben and his partner are Persian, there is not a lack of flavor.
My grandparents were Orthodox, and my grandfather, who was the "chef" in the family, never made a lackluster meal in his life. He did the best he could with the available resources he had. And, he traveled for them. The thing is, now, the Orthodoxy have full reign on food. They have Kosher non-meat meat, non-shellfish crab, lobster, shrimp, non-dairy butter, milk, cream and cheese, et.al. If my grandfather was alive today, he could have a vegetarian cheeseburger! But, somehow, I cannot visualize them on Shabbos having sushi.
Maybe it's because Reuben and his partner are Persian, it seems as if they have injected beautiful spices into their catering menu.
The wedding was stupendous. My cousin did such a beautiful job considering the circumstances. The wedding was held outside a beautiful hotel, near where they live. There were beautiful soft-colored roses everywhere you looked. A tent overhead, as it was supposed to rain. My cousin thoughtfully bought rubber boots, umbrellas and blankets for all. Thankfully nobody needed them. The weather was glorious!
When my husband and I arrived, there were photos at the gazebo, and then back to the tents. Oh those appetizers! Puff pastry surrounded some very delicious meat triangles, also covered spinach and those little doggies that nobody confesses they adore! Also, we were given individually closed boxes of sushi: tuna, salmon, avocado, along with crudites, hummus and guacamole. There was also a carving station featuring pastrami and corned beef. My husband, who is not Jewish jumped all over that! We thought that all this was the meal, but noooo.
After masked marriage vows at the chuppah, and gazebo, back at the tented area there were already pretty plastic boxes at each table setting containing a nice mesclun salad, and poached salmon. The salmon was done perfectly, but I avoided the dressing for the salmon as it was perfect on its own. Next to the box was our utensils, carefully wrapped, more than once and a spray hand sanitizer. So thoughtful.
By this time, we were just about to burst, but yet more was on its way! Next box: Portobello mushroom Wellington. This was an absolute delight for the Vegan sitting near us. She couldn't believe there was no animal anything in it. And you'd think this might be the end, but noooooo. Stuffed Capon with rice and mushrooms. The capon was delicious. It was moist and warm, even in those plastic boxes, the stuffing drowned in rosemary was a bit alarming, and I forgot to ask the Vegan how her vegetarian lasagne was. I must say that what accompanied the capon was roasted sweet and white potatoes (very good), and string beans and carrots. Too bad the string beans were raw.
But let's get down to the really good stuff! Dessert! Towards the end, we were given boxes and a plastic cup of fruit salad. I cannot say much about the fruit, as it was not in season, however the cake, oooooh the cake. Hazelnut mousse cake covered with a dark chocolate glaze. OMG. Was light and delicious... I'm so bad, I took home an extra to luxuriate on it later.
Singing was the fabulous Joshua Marcus, and his band West Hills Project. Gorgeous, romantic songs were emitted, followed by some wild Klezmer. My husband went crazy and danced the night away with the wedding party. Too bad I am disabled, as even though I cannot dance physically, I was, in my heart, jumping and kicking and flying with everyone else. Truthfully, one of the best weddings, ever; even wearing masks, and the possibility of rain. Congratulations to Aaron & Stefanie
