Before I continue with more recipes, I wanted to share a bit more of our wonderful Panama Trip. Since Panama, my sisters came to visit in Los Angeles and this week we have been exploring the kosher aspects of North Miami, Aventura area. The other day there was no internet access from the bed and breakfast we stayed at in Key West. Tomorrow I will return home to recipe testing and more normal posting. Purim recipes and Passover will be coming up soon!
Saturday, Shabbat January, 22
Time to get dressed to the nines and head out to the synagogue for services where the groom will be honored. Security is very high at the synagogue. You cannot enter if you are unknown to a congregant, there are many security guards. After the service we walked in a parade of well dressed parishioners and guests to a sister of the bride’s nearby condominium for a luncheon buffet. The cacophony of small children running and playing unrestricted and men singing the traditional Shabbat songs (Sephardic style) set the background for more fabulous food.
Saturday night was a very small party for the bride. Jordan Almonds, Challah, baklava. Afterwards we went out to dinner around 10:00PM to a kosher dairy restaurant called Darna. Fresh out of the oven, foccacia with za’atar and olive oil served with Leben or feta cheese and olives was irresistible. Next the waiters brought grilled vegetables, peppers, eggplants, zucchini and portabelos with a creamy sauce. I wouldn’t eat any more, however my boys went on to eat knocci with pesto, ravioli, fish with yucca in a creamy sauce. The place was hopping. We returned to the hotel and the 20 somethings, my boys included went out clubbing and dancing, the night was still young for them.
Sunday Wedding Day
I slept in as late as possible. After a visit to the breakfast buffet, my sister in-law, one of the boy’s fiance and I were driven to a beauty salon for hair, nails, and makeup. The wedding was formal. We arrived back at the hotel just in time to put on our gowns and head to the wedding. Getting in a van painted with a ‘Kosher Express’ painted on the side is not the best way to travel when you have formal dress on.
The wedding started on Jewish time (late) and was magnificent. 20 or more bridesmaids, about 10 flower girls, 6 ring bearers including one pulled in a wagon painted silver and gold with a pillow holding the smallest of the ring bearers. White flowers encrusted the marriage platform , hupa. As soon as the ceremony was over the bars were opened, the drinks flowed and the hor dourves bearing waiters cascaded out of the kitchen. Just a little wedding for 700 of your closest family and friends. Jewish music started after the bride and groom rejoined the party and dance floor was so packed with people that they melded into one big pulsating mass of human kind.
A huge dinner buffet was opened and then hours later a dessert buffet with miniatures of marzipan eggs, coconut dipped in chocolate, chocolate fountains,and a huge wedding cake were included.
Just when we were thinking the party was about over and my feet could not dance another step, a buffet of chicken soup with matzo balla, kabob, shredded roast meat with pita, Israeli salad and other wonders. I amazed myself and tasted the food. The boys chowed down.
The next day we flew home all tired and stuffed and very happy.
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