Passover 2017: Where To Go in NYC

Passover can be a bummer for those who love food. It’s an eight-day furlough — this year from Monday, April 10 at sundown through Tuesday, April 18 at sundown — from flour, rice, corn, most grains, and legumes. But just because you have to restrict your eating doesn’t mean you can’t eat well.

A lot of Passover specials are flooding the zone this holiday, but here’s what’s worth paying attention to. These 11 restaurants are upping the ante in Passover-friendly ways around NYC. Note: These places are not kosher.

Balaboosta

What: If there’s one Passover celebration you attend this year, let it be courtesy of Einat Admony. The Israeli chef put together a five-course meal, with inventive dishes like Middle Eastern borscht with beet matzo balls; Tunisian lamb shoulder with spinach stew, harissa, and fava beans; and ice cream from Morgenstern’s for dessert. There will also be live music, wine from Israeli Wine Direct, and an afikomen prize.
Details: Tuesday, April 11; $150 tickets here include food, wine, tax, and gratuity. 214 Mulberry St., NYC

Rosa Mexicano

What: For the 15th year in a row, eat the entire special, four-course Mexican-Jewish menu for $49, or order a la carte dishes like matzo ball posole soup, banana leaf-wrapped barbecued beef brisket, and more.
Details: Monday, April 10 and Tuesday, April 11 at all NYC locations.

Fung Tu

What: Attend what is likely your first “Sichuan seder,” which is really just a special Passover menu at chef Jonathon Wu’s Lower East Side Chinese restaurant, full of unique dishes like sweet and sour lamb ribs and sweet potato lo mein kugel.
Details: Available at $55 per person for the whole menu, or a la carte, from April 11 through April 18, excluding Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15. Reservations on Resy. 22 Orchard St., NYC

Toloache

What: An added a la carte Passover menu is available, with dishes like guacamole with smoked fish, brisket tacos, and flourless chocolate cake.
Details: Available April 11 through April 18. 251 W. 50th St. and 205 Thompson St., NYC

Noglu

What: It’s a natural extension for this Upper East Side gluten-free bakery to add Passover items, and the menu this year includes rugelach made with chickpea flour, housemade matzo, macaroons, and more.
Details: Available during the holiday. 1266 Madison Ave., NYC

Schmackary’s

What: If you just want a quick macaroon, Schmackary’s has you covered, with butter pecan, almond joy, and salted caramel toffee varieties.
Details: Available during the holiday. 362 W. 45th St., NYC

Eli’s Table, E.A.T., Eli’s Essentials

What: E.A.T. always has matzo brei on its menu, but Eli Zabar is adding the eggy dish to his other two restaurants — Eli’s Table and Eli’s Essentials — during the holiday.
Details: Available during the holiday. 1413 Third Ave., NYC

Padoca Bakery

What: Good for those looking to just pick up a gift for a seder, Padoca Bakery has added flourless chocolate torte and platters of chocolate coconut macaroons, flourless cookies, and more to its menu, courtesy of Israeli pastry chef Rachel Binder.
Details: Available during the holiday. Preorder online here or by calling (212) 300-4543, or just walk on in. 359 E. 68th St., NYC

Jeffrey’s Grocery

What: For the fifth year, Jeffrey’s has a menu of dishes inspired by each element of the Seder plate. This year, inspired by recent events, the dishes will also take influence from Jewish food in the Middle East. Past examples include braised lamb blade chop with spiced basmati rice and whole grilled hearts of romaine with avocado vinaigrette and bitter herbs.
Details: Available April 10 through April 17. 172 Waverly Pl., NYC

Alex Ostroff

Mile End

What: More Passover mash-up fare is available at Montreal-inspired deli Mile End, with matzah tacos on the menu. It’s three for $12, with brisket, chopped liver and gribenes, and corned beef reuben filling the tortilla.
Details: Available Monday, April 10 through Tuesday, April 18 at both locations. 53 Bond St., NYC and 97 Hoyt St., Brooklyn

Oceana

What: Chef Bill Telepan (Telepan) puts his spin on Passover, with a four-course $75 menu with wine pairings (also available a la carte) of traditional dishes like matzo ball soup, as well as some more unconventional options such as seared tuna with purple potato, shallot confit, parsley, and horseradish.
Details: 120 W 49th St., NYC