Village Crown goes Abroad: Unforgettable Food from Israel!

By Maxime Keyson

I have just returned from the beautiful country of Israel where I was traveling for the past 2 weeks and am delighted to share some exciting experiences from abroad! Here are some of my favorite food moments from across the Mediterranean Sea (and can be found here at Esprit too!):

No wonder everyone loves the Esprit Candy Station! Israel is covered with amazing mouth-watering candy stands! Dive in and load up your bag for only a few Sheckels! 

This amazing Dim Sum stand at the Carmel Market! You can try any dumpling from chicken and beef to sweet potato & spinach and even goose liver!

You can smell the spices wafting around the streets from these amazing spice stands! 

This local Hot Cider stand in the mountainous village of Tzfat - delicious! 

And of course Shwarma! Everywhere you go you can count on a freshly baked pita stuffed with juicy meats and veggies slathered in hummus and tzatziki! Yum!

Village Crown Catering Bat Mitzvahs & Bar Mitzvahs

It's Bar & Bat Mitzvah Season! Let us help you decide the perfect catering option for your kid's big day! Not only do we have our upscale division Esprit Events, we have our casual division Village Crown which gives you a wide range of options and menus to fit your vision. Village Crown buffet options include upscale platters and display, staffing and  everyone's favorite tasty finger foods! 

3 Rules for Finding the Perfect Kosher Caterer

It's hard to find the perfect match, especially when it comes to your caterer. We understand the aches and pains of making your vision become a reality for your special day. Here are some quick guidelines for you to tell if you have found the one: 

1. Responsiveness: Your caterer should be easy to reach and quick to respond. Timing is everything and you should feel secure that your team is on top of it. 
2. Personal Touch: You don't want to work with a robot, your catering specialist should be just as invested in your event as you are. Working with someone who understands you on a personal level and has taken the time to get to know your event makes the process much less stressful (and more fun!)
3. Style: Everyone has a style they want to convey to their guests, whether it's modern, classic, trendy or a mix! Each caterer has their own style as well and you want to make sure they are the  best representation of your taste. Make sure your team is the most experienced at presenting your vision and really wow your guests!

Delicious, Healthy & Gluten Free

Gluten Free Options are nothing new for Village Crown! We offer so many delectable options it's hard to choose which meal to go with. Check out this list of some popular dropoff items for our gluten free guests:

Black & White Quinoa

Grilled Chicken Salad

Summer Veggie Rolls

Grilled Salmon Filet

Curry Chicken Salad

Stuffed Peppers 

Make the whole meal gluten free or have it packaged individually for each guest!

Garden Party Time

Spring is in the air and that means it's time to have a garden party! Seek out your nearest park, backyard, rooftop and more for this summers grand opening act! Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

1) Get a garden! It doesn't have to be upscale, it just has to be outside! Find a quiet spot in the park or a scenic rooftop corner to get the right atmosphere going for your guests.

2) Decor Galore! Spring means flowers, sunshine and vibrant colors. Create your own homemade centerpieces out of spring flowers or make your table setting out of grass! Be creative.

 

3) Spring Snacks! It's all about the light finger foods to go along with your fresh squeezed juice cocktails. Try a delicious platter of vegan garden sushi or some cocktail finger sandwiches to go with your iced tea. 

   

4) Enjoy! Toast to your friends and family or support a cause. Spring garden parties are the best excuse to dress up and soak in the sun. Ask us for recommendations @ 212 207 3888.

Favorite Kosher Recipe: Potato Kugel Crunch Cups

Recipe

Potato Kugel Cups

The best part about them is that every piece is a crusty corner piece, so nobody has to fight over that coveted crunch.

Times

• Prep Time : 15 min min
• Cook Time : 1 hour
• Ready Time : 1 hour, 15 min

Servings

4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 3 whole eggs
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 6 large Idaho potatoes
• 1 large onion, quartered

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Liberally oil six (6-ounce) Pyrex glass dessert dishes or custard cups. Place custard cups in a 9 x 13-inch disposable pan.
3. Place the pan of cups in the oven to heat.
4. Place eggs in a small bowl and beat. Add salt and pepper, mix well and set aside.
5. Fill a large bowl with cold water and, as you peel potatoes, place them in the cold water to prevent browning.
6. Heat remainder of oil in a small saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat.
7. Cut potatoes lengthwise into halves or quarters so they fit into food processor feed tube. Process potatoes and onions using the blade that creates thin, shoestring-like strips.
8. Transfer potatoes and onions to a large bowl, add egg mixture and heated oil from stovetop, mix very well. Remove any large pieces of potatoes or onions that weren’t processed properly.
9. Remove heated cups from the oven and spoon potato mixture evenly into hot, oiled cups.
10. Bake at 425 degrees for 1 hour, or until the tops look crunchy and sides look golden and browned. Loosen edges with a knife, unmold and serve on a platter.

Tips

To make this as a potato kugel pie, bake in a 9-inch round glass baking dish for about 1 hour or longer, depending on desired crunchiness.

View original recipe here: JoyofKosher

How to Order Catering in 5 Easy Steps

Village Crown knows how hard it is to plan the perfect event. You don't have to do it alone, here are some important tips to help you when you're ordering:

1) What is your event? We know that seems like an obvious question but it's important for your caterer to know what type of event you are having. You may need more (or less) food then you planned depending on the time of day and style of event. This can prevent late guests from finding empty platters on their arrival or having a fridge packed with leftovers.

2) What time is your event? Don't forget it may take time to set up the food, especially if it's hot. Always take into account extra time to get ready so you won't have to rush when the guests start to arrive. If your building has strict security or a separate freight entrance that your delivery guy doesn't know about, your food could be delayed. Be sure to make a detailed note for your caterers so you won't be surprised.

3) What's your menu? Will you be snacking on hors d'oeuvres platters, filling up on a hearty meal or a mix of both? Know the flow of your event so your caterer can make helpful suggestions to ensure your guests don't fill up on heavy apps or overeat the main course. Splitting two meat entrees can be tricky since most guests will want to try both. This could leave some guests hungry in the end, make sure you plan accordingly.

4) What else do you need besides food? Catering is much more than just delivery. Do you need plates? Forks? Cups? What about beverages or a custom cake? Make a list from start to finish of what you will use for your event so that nothing is left out. If you are ordering beverages you might need an ice bucket. If you want your food to stay hot you may need chaffers and sternos. Let your caterer know how you plan to serve your food once you receive it so you aren't left with the wrong temperature item.

5) What is your budget? Catering can get expensive. If you have a tight budget for your corporate event we understand that your options may seem limited. Don't fret, we can help you choose the right items such as a heavier appetizer that will fill up your guests faster or a package deal that includes all the food you will need in one set price. On the other hand if you are catering to impress, be sure to ask about china dishware options. The extra charge is worth it in the end if you are entertaining important guests. A nice display goes a long way.

The more details you provide in your inquiry, the more we can help you! Let's work together to make this a memorable event.

Favorite Kosher Recipe of the Day: Cauliflower Popcorn

Let's get creative in the kitchen! Everyone loves popcorn but not necessarily all of the calories. Cauliflower is an amazing substitute and so delicious. Try this easy & quick kosher recipe at home that everyone can enjoy:

Times

• Prep Time : 15 min
• Cook Time : 35 min
• Ready Time : 50 min

Servings

4-6 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup matzo meal
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 small scallions, minced
• 1 head cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large eggs

Directions

Preheat oven to 375˚F.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a medium bowl mix the matzo meal with the garlic powder, salt, lemon juice, basil, pepper, and scallions.

Cut the cauliflower florets into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl. Discard the hard center of the cauliflower.

Add the oil to the bowl. Toss to coat the florets.

Lightly beat the eggs in a small mixing bowl. Add the eggs to the cauliflower and toss to coat. Add the flavored matzo meal. Shake to coat the cauliflower.

Place the cauliflower onto the prepared cookie sheet in a single layer. Place the cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 35 minutes, until golden.

Recipe from: http://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/crispy-cauliflower/

Keep Calm and Shabbat Shalom!

 

Village Crown knows dinner can be quite a process and especially when it comes to Shabbat! Let us do the work for you so you can focus on more important things like your family and friends. Our delicious prix fixe menu has something for everyone. 

Village Crown Shabbat Menu 

$28 per person includes:

2 Appetizers

1 Entree

2 Sides

Dessert

SAMPLE SEPHARDIC-INFLUENCED MENU

Appetizers

Braised Tilapia Filet 

With baby potatoes, parsley, lemon & turmeric

Flaky Pastry Borekas 

with spinach, mushroom and potato

Entree with Accompaniments 

Chicken with Dried Plums & Almonds

Chicken on the bone simmered with dried plums and garnished with almonds

Spinach and Mushroom Pashtida (Moroccan Quiche)

Fried Sephardic Cauliflower with Cumin & Turmeric

Sweet Endings

Medley of Baklava, Mediterranean Cookies & Date Roulade

Ask us about our other Shabbat menus and special Synagogue menus info@villagecrown.com

Entertaining Made Easy

Having guests over and not sure what to feed them? Entertaining is easy with an assortment of delicious kosher platters from Village Crown! We cater every style of event from an intimate gathering to a large scale event and everything in between. Check out some some of our popular picks to get you inspired:

Meet & Greet
Cheese and Crackers, Vegetable Crudite, and Flaky Pastry Borekas make it easy for everyone to pick something to snack on.

Light Lunch
Need more filling snacks? Try Cilantro and Mint Salmon Croquettes, assorted Pinwheel Wraps and a tasty Mediterranean Salad.

Celebration
Get the conversation started with some soft summer rolls mixed with our famous sushi and garden sushi platters!

Tell us about your event at info@villagecrown.com 

Need to recover after the long weekend?

Today is the perfect day to order a healthy kosher package for you and your guests. Village Crown recommends our aptly named Spa Package (at 20.95-22.95 per guest) that includes super food to make you more energized, alert and ready to take on the rest of the week. Show your clients your health conscience side or lighten up your dinner event. Sit back, relax and enjoy Village Crown's nutrition-packed Spa treatment.

Spa Package 

Green Salad with assorted dressing on the side and assorted rolls

Grilled Salmon with Herbs & Lemon (22.95) or Grilled Chicken with Herbs (20.95) 

Black & White Quinoa with cherry tomatoes, thinly diced red onion, basil and balsamic vinaigrette

Steamed String Beans

See more meal package options on our website.

Fun with Food Friday: Chocolate Challah Panini

It’s a Chocolate Challah Panini! That’s right a melty chocolate sandwich and just in time for the biggest chocolate holiday ever. All you need is some delicious Challah, semi-sweet kosher chocolate and heat! Simple and delicious everyone will love this sweet snack. 

Village Crown Sweets & Treats

Love is in the air! It's Valentine's Day and that means special dessert requests. Mini decorated cupcakes are a great way to incorporate a little love into your luncheon! The pastry department at Village Crown offers tons of yummy dessert platters from classic cookies and brownies to mini cupcakes and muffins to old world favorites like rugelach and babka. Add desserts onto any existing order or just get them by the platter! What's your favorite holiday treat?

Order Kosher on Seamless!

Don’t have time to waste? Ordering is even easier on our Seamless page! Delicious kosher catering is just a click away. Don’t forget to review us, we love feedback!

http://www.seamless.com/food-delivery/village-crown-catering-menu-new-york-city.26601.r#menu-tab

A Touch of Heat

It might be pouring snow outside but here at Village Crown Kosher we're just getting warmed up! We know you're staying inside so why not order catering right to your door? The perfect package to combat the cold snow is A Touch of Heat! From our Hot Dairy & Pareve package selections comes a delicious mix of hot and spicy Spanish food.

A Touch of Heat - 18.95 per guest
Mixed Green Ensalada tossed with sliced chayote, yellow cherry tomatoes, cumin chickpeas, sprouts & avocado - two kinds of dressing on the side served with assorted rolls
Black Beans & Roasted Corn Salad
Sauteed Chimichangas with sauteed red peppers, onions, beans and cheddar cut on the angle
Soft shell tacos rolled with oven-roasted white tomato salsa, sauteed onions & mushrooms with guacamole, hot sauce & sour cream.

Bring the restaurant to you!

SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA

Excited for Shabbat Across America? Host your own dinner easily with Village Crown! Ask us about our Shabbat menu.

Find out more about SAA here:

http://njop.org/programs/shabbat/shabbat-across-america-canada/

BEFORE YOU LIFT YOUR GLASS: FACTS & FACTOIDS ABOUT KOSHER WINE

L’chaim! You're about to toast your favorite couple on their newfound marriage. You know that the wine in your glass is kosher, but what does that mean?

• To be considered kosher, a Sabbath-observant Jew must be involved in the entire wine-making process, from the time of harvest to the actual bottling. Then, there is kosher wine and kosher Mevushal wine…. Wine that is Mevushal (goes through a heating process) can be poured by a non-observant Jew and still remain kosher. That’s why most restaurants and caterers serve only wine that is Kosher Mevushal.

• Only certified Kosher products such as yeast and filtering agents can be used during the preparation of the wine

• Kosher law does not prohibit the use of specific wine styles, grape varieties or origin

• No animal products may be used during the production of the wine.

• Grapes that come from brand new vines cannot be used when the wine is being made. After the fourth year they become eligible to use; however, every seventh year the fields must be fallow.

• Champagne refers only to wine bottled in the Champagne region of France – and while there are several Kosher Mevushal Champagnes, they do tend to be rather expensive. No worries – plenty of Sparkling Wine (the terminology for all bubbly wine produced outside of Champagne) absolutely fit for a l’Chaim.

• On Shabbat, obligatory blessings called Kiddush are required over cups of kosher wine or grape juice.

• Juice from approximately 600 grapes is required to make a single bottle of wine!

Now you know a little bit more about the wine with which you’re about to toast, stand up, say a few nice words about your loved ones and enjoy a sip!