From meatballs to matzo balls: Italian restaurant serves up a Seder
Care for a little gefilte fish with that fried calamari?
How about some Manischewitz with your manicotti?
That's not quite the idea, but this week, the traditional foods and customs of the Jewish Passover observance will be offered in the most nontraditional of venues: an Italian restaurant.
After batting around the idea, half jokingly, for a couple of years, proprietors of Tuscany restaurant in Wheeling decided to give their Passover concept a try. Wednesday and Thursday evening this week, the restaurant at 550 S. Milwaukee Ave. and its chef, Bolla Loza, will offer such Passover Seder classics as matzo ball soup and beef brisket, alongside its regular northern Italian menu.
Thursday, a cantor from Northbrook's Temple Beth-El will perform the Seder service, which commemorates the liberation of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
"We talked about it and it was kind of a wink, like kidding around," said Steven Hartenstein, CEO of Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, which also runs establishments like Riva in Naperville and another Tuscany in Oak Brook.
"Quite candidly, we won't make a lot of money, but hopefully we'll be introducing some new people to the restaurant and offering something to our Jewish customers," he said.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, Hartenstein said, with today already booked and Thursday filling quickly.
"A lot of people aren't that religious but are looking for a place to go and it's a nice option," said Tuscany sales manager Laurie Cohn.
Seder services typically take place at home, but Rabbi Scott Looper of Or Shalom synagogue in Vernon Hills noted temples, hotels and Jewish country clubs also host communal Seders.
"I welcome any opportunity for people to gather together to feel that sense of community and to celebrate," he said, especially those who don't have family to celebrate with.
Still, Hartenstein is bracing for a few "that's not how mom used to make it" comments.
"We just have to keep a smile on our face and say, 'We didn't have your mother in the kitchen,'" Hartenstein said, "but maybe next year."
Tuscany's Seder menu is $22.95 plus tax and gratuity per person and $12.95 for children 10 and under. Call (847) 465-9988.