JORDAN MOSHE
The search was on for Howard Sackstein, the Chairperson of the SA Jewish Report, and his awards team to find a kosher caterer who could produce an experience of fine dining and haute cuisine that people would remember as the meal of the year.
“The requirement has always been that people will say, ‘I cannot believe that this meal is kosher’,” says Sackstein.
The awards committee was determined to find only the finest meal offering available, exploring an array of culinary delights until it selected dishes which would awe every attendee.
“We embarked on food tastings with caterers to create the perfect kosher meal,” says Sackstein. “It has been impossible for me to go on diet to fit into my Jewish Achiever suits because in just two months, I’ve gone through more than eight tastings to create the perfect, fine dining kosher experience for our guests.”
The search has been both trying and rigorous. “At one caterer, we were served food presented with dollops of hummus on every dish – meat, fish, even the dessert!” he laughs. “It obviously thought this would be the perfect kosher meal. At another tasting, when we complained about the quality of the food, they were astonished, saying, ‘What do you mean? We got this out of a kosher cookbook!’”
After sampling endless culinary offerings, a caterer was eventually selected. Says Sackstein, “We are delighted to announce that the Jewish Achiever Awards will be catered by Estelle Sacharowitz, featuring guest celebrity chef Vicky Crease. Both will be under the strictest supervision of the Beth Din, serving the finest, most kosher food imaginable.”
Sackstein says the planned meal reads like something out of a three-star Michelin restaurant, and a brief perusal of the menu suggests there will be no shortage of gustatory genius. From Moroccan canapes, to Nasturtium-garnished starters, to flame-grilled chicken dishes topped with Peruvian sauces. Chocolate ravioli with raspberry jam filling complements these delectable dishes. It will doubtless tantalise the taste buds of even the most hardened culinary connoisseurs.
The public is reminded that booking for the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards closes soon, and that tables for this memorable event should be reserved as soon as possible.
