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Fusion Flavors: A Unique Hanukkah Celebration
This Hanukkah, Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen & Appetizing is transforming Jersey City's culinary landscape with its Feast of the Smoked & Cured Fishes, a creative homage to the beloved Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes. Located at The Alps wine bar on the eve of the last Hanukkah candle, this event reflects the unique blend of Jewish and Italian American traditions, offering a culinary experience that invites both nostalgia and new flavors.
A Dive into Tradition
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a cherished Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition, deeply rooted in family and festivities. In a delightful twist, Jason Stahl, the self-taught chef behind Hank’s, presents up to eight varieties of smoked and cured fishes—one for each night of Hanukkah. This blend of customs showcases how food serves as a vessel for celebrating heritage and family bonds.
Meet the Mastermind
Jason Stahl draws inspiration from his wife's Italian family, who embrace the Feast of the Seven Fishes each year. "We’re an interfaith family, and we celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas,” he commented. With a background that traverses the worlds of tech and culinary arts, he reimagines this feast not merely as a meal but as a narrative—a story told through each carefully selected fish and side, reflecting both cultural backgrounds.
The Culinary Lineup
The centerpiece of Stahl’s creation—a visually stunning charcuterie board—features an array of fishes like citrus-bright gravlax, silky sablefish, and unique twists like maple-bacon salmon candy. Each element is perfectly complemented by accompaniments such as za’atar-spiced olives, dill-forward cucumber salad, and a vibrant mix of pickles, from peppadews to capers. A hearty dark rye bread anchors the dish, inviting diners to create their own bites, perfect for straying into delightful noshing while storytelling unfolds.
More than Just Food
But the experience encompasses more than just a culinary journey. Guests at the event can also engage in a Jewish-themed Jeopardy! game, adding an interactive layer to the evening. The blend of food, games, and Hanukkah rituals invites a sense of community and celebration, allowing for connection and camaraderie among the diners.
Reflecting on Success
Since its inception in 2021, Hank’s has garnered significant accolades, earning the title of Best Breakout Business in Jersey City and being recognized among New Jersey’s best Jewish delis. This rise in popularity reflects not only the quality of the food served but also the dedication to honoring and innovating within culinary traditions. Stahl's appearance on USA Today’s Connecting America further cements his impact on the diverse Jersey City food scene.
Paving the Way for the Future
As the deli continues to thrive, Stahl has plans to expand further, seeking investors to establish a brick-and-mortar location in the Jersey City Heights. His dreams also include a catering menu, which will feature these innovative “seacuterie” boards, enabling even more families to share the joy of his unique culinary offerings. Inviting the community to partake in this special blend of cultural traditions highlights the deli’s commitment to serving not only delicious food but fostering a vibrant community spirit.
This unique take on the Feast of the Seven Fishes exemplifies how culinary arts can celebrate and blend cultures, transforming a holiday meal into an immersive experience. It’s an invitation to reflect on family traditions while embracing new flavors, and a reminder that food is, above all, about connection.
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