A Taste of the Lower East Side
The breath taking beauty of the Angel Orensanz Center in the Lower East Side was an inspiring insight into the history of the synagogue and the lives of the people who once congregated there. At the turn of the century, the Lower East Side was more densely populated than Calcutta, India and the original residents certainly left their impression on the current trends of the neighborhood.
The Grand Street Settlement also has its historical roots in the neighborhood providing the community with social activities and resources since 1917. So what better way to celebrate the settlement's accomplishments and the neighborhoods latest and greatest eateries than a party that brings it all together.
The Lower East Side is not the food neighborhood that Angel Orenzanz would ever recognize though it is possible that he may have dined at Ratners Deli enjoying the same recipe for potato latkes and knishes that were served at this event. With a healthy dollop of apple sauce, this is a comfort food for any occasion. Other notable tastes included the mini meatballs and pizza from Risa located a bit further west on Houston Street where the old Knitting Factory used to be. In addition Ortiz, new Mediterranean-Latin fusion restaurant had an extraordinary dish of bay scallops served in their shell with an unusual vanilla sauce. On the same seafood theme, the cerviche from Orologio was also treat to remember.
Soon the party began to feel like a wedding, as the eclectic 18 piece jazz band played swinging dance music and the crowd celebrated the Grand Street Settlement's enduring impact on shaping a community.
Words and images by Jenine Lurie
