As this year keeps moving, I’m discovering so many new things we can offer, and I’m grateful to have such a strong team behind me—ready for anything I dream up and throw their way. This week alone, I created a Christmas Eve pre-order menu, a New Year’s Day brunch menu, and (because we live in Wisconsin!) a Packers game-day menu. Every single one came from a mix of tradition, memory, and the joy of gathering with people we love.
“What Do Jews Do on Christmas Eve?”
Our Christmas Eve menu came from a long-standing tradition in my own family. I joked that maybe I should have called it “What Do Jews Do on Christmas Eve?” because, of course, the answer is: we eat Chinese food.
Chinese food holds a special place in my memories. My grandfather, Sy Dolnick, was an engineer by trade and ran a factory, but he retired young—before he ever became a grandpa. By the time I was born, he was fully immersed in all kinds of culinary adventures, and a wok was almost always involved. He didn’t just cook Chinese food; he dove into all kinds of Asian cuisines. A party was never a party without his homemade samosas.
As a family, we’d go out for Chinese food and never order individually—always for the table. Honestly, does anyone eat Chinese any other way?! So anytime I plan a Chinese menu, I can feel my grandfather with me. I think about the fried noodles he used to make, the stir-fries, the sauces, the playful experimenting. And I’ll admit—planning this menu was hard because I wanted to include everything: egg foo young, moo shu chicken, fried wontons… so many great choices! But I’m really happy with the mix we landed on, and I’m always curious what everyone else wants to see on a Jewish-Christmas Eve menu.
New Year’s Day Brunch Traditions
Next came our New Year’s Day brunch catering menu—because if there is one meal we truly shine in, it’s brunch. A couple of years ago, I started a tradition of hosting a New Year’s Day brunch myself. As a single mom, New Year’s Eve has never quite been the magical movie moment I imagine, and honestly, half the time I just want to be with my girls.
So I stopped trying to force the perfect midnight and instead started the new year the way I wish the last year had ended: surrounded by people I care about, eating good food, laughing, connecting. Last year’s brunch became an all-day affair, and it was the best feeling—so fulfilling and joyful. I even ended up throwing dinner together for the people who were still around. I hope our menu inspires more people to kick off 2026 with that same warmth and togetherness.
And… Packers Season
And lastly… we’re in Wisconsin. Which means one thing this time of year: the Packers. We watch them, we stress about them, we talk about them, and we dream about them. So yes—I put together a pre-order game day menu, because watching the Packers alone is just not the same. Yelling at the TV with a group is objectively more fun.
Moving Into the New Year
As we move forward, I’m reminded how important it is to surround ourselves with the people who make our lives richer, more fun, and more meaningful. In a world that feels crazy a lot of the time, creating moments of connection—through food, community, family, and celebration—is truly the best thing we can do.
Here’s to a year of great meals, great gatherings, and great memories.
