So you have your meal planned out as far as your main dishes are concerned, but still need a little help with the odds and ends. Well, if you’re on the Upper West Side, there are a bunch of places you can go to help you round out your meal.
If you need challah, you can run into several different places (Super Sol, Kosher Market Place, Fairway, etc.), but did you know, you can now can challah at Essentials located on the corner of 80st and Broadway? Yep, they have a stand (randomly placed I must say) in the middle of the cash register. But now it’s official – that place really does have everything! And just some advice … if you’re looking to save calories, don’t do it here by going for wheat instead of egg challah. Go for the goods and work out after Havdalah.
Now let’s say you’re looking for a nosh to serve while your guest are arriving. I have to say, I love the peach mango salsa from Whole Foods served with Stacy’s pita chips. The salsas are part of their “365” line. If you want to try a few different things, then be creative with your salsas and pick up some scoop Tostitos. Last week, I went with whole wheat Tostitos and snack practically flew off my table. If you want a healthier option, pick up any kind of hummus (Sabra is my favorite) and serve it with pretzel chips. I served all of these things to kick off my last two meals and my guests loved everything!
If you feel like these winter days have you looking for ways to warm up, Zabar’s kosher soups in a jar are a must! The chicken broth (regular or reduced sodium) taste better with some noodles or soup nuts thrown in, but they’re so easy to work with if you’re in the mood for soup. They also have a vegetable option, which is seriously, out of this world.
If you need kosher desserts and like Babka, then let me introduce you to another reason to save up those calories for Shabbat. Zabar’s makes a chocolate Babka that is so addictive. I’ve had other packaged babka’s, but Zabar’s nails the sweet and moist combo that every babka should. Check out Zabar’s and Co. located at 2245 Broadway and let me know what you pick up!
Another foolproof option for dessert is Sharon’s sorbet. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like at least one of the flavors they make. Whether served with fruit or cake, you can’t go wrong adding a scoop from one of their pints. Lots of places carry them, but you may not know the Price Wise located caddy corner to Essentials has them all the way in the back.
Now, before I let you get back to your menu, I want to share what I think is the best kept secret on the Upper West. The Westside Supermarket located at 2171 Broadway is never crowded and less expensive than Zabar’s and even Fairway sometimes. If you know you need every day kosher items, go here!
So the next time you need a challah, something sweet or another starter, don’t fret. You don’t have to go far in the city to find places to help you with your last minute prep.
Tell me where you like to go to grab your odds and ends.
Shabbat Shalom,
KK