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May 21, 2004/Sivan 1 5764, Vol. 56, No.35
Kosher fine dining
LEISAH NAMM
Managing Editor
Rabbi Chananya Levy, a mashgiach from Greater Phoenix Vaad Hakashruth, center, supervises preparations in the kitchen of The Café. Also pictured are Chef Brian Thometz, left, and Chef Matt Cook.
Photo by Leisah Namm
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The Valley's newest fine dining option isn't at Biltmore Fashion Park or at Kierland Commons, but at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus - and it's kosher.
Danziger Kosher Catering introduced a new, upscale Pan Asian menu to its diners at The Caf‚ last week. About 60 guests attended an invitation-only VIP pre-opening on May 10 to sample the new fleishig (meat) menu, says managing partner Raymond Hirsh. Guests included rabbis from local Orthodox synagogues, as well as members of the Orthodox community.
Hirsh is confident that the menu expansion will draw a new segment of kosher customers from those who keep strictly kosher and want a fine-dining experience to those who won't eat meat in non-kosher establishments. The new menu also offers variety to those who eat at the cafe a few times a week, he says.
Monday through Thursday the cafe serves its regular dairy menu from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., but after that, a transformation takes place. Employees clear the dairy plates, utensils and food and then move to the meat kitchen to prepare for dinner patrons. "Everything is separate," Hirsh says, from pots and pans to spices and condiments.
Snacks such as French fries and smoothies will be served from 3-5 p.m. From 5-5:30, the entire cafe is closed, so the dining area can be cleared of any remaining dairy items and thoroughly cleaned, Hirsh says. "We just need that little bit of breathing time to really make sure everything is shut down."
Tables are then covered with tablecloths and set with cloth napkins and a separate set of silverware. From 5:30-9 p.m., customers receive full-table service, rather than ordering at the counter.
Menu items include Grilled Eye of the Rib ($29), Sweet and Sour Chicken ($17) and Mushroom Chow Mein ($22 with beef, $18 with chicken). Other items include appetizers, sushi, salad and dessert. Because the laws of kashrut forbid mixing meat and milk, all desserts are non-dairy.
The cafe serves its dairy menu 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. The Pan Asian menu is available 5:30-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Reservations are suggested.
The cafe also hosts a barbecue by the pool - offering casual dining, such as hamburgers and hotdogs - 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant is closed Saturday. All items are also available for take out. For delivery, call Delicious Deliveries, 602-220-0000 or visit 100mph.com.
Greater Phoenix Vaad Hakashruth is the kosher-supervising agency.
The campus is located at 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
Call 480-659-9180. To order online, visit www.cafefood.com.
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