Hanukkah may not be the most significant Jewish holiday on the calendar, but wow — it brings so much fun, energy, and excitement into our kitchen every single year.
I always think back to the first year things finally started to feel “normal” again after COVID. We were SO busy — catering the Gelt Drop, the JCC’s community-wide Hanukkah celebration, and so many incredible gatherings throughout Milwaukee. It was truly a joy. Watching my staff dive into the spirit of the season just made it even better.
Over the years, the sheer amount of latkes, sufganiyot, and all the other Hanukkah treats we get to make has only grown. My team gears up like it’s our own personal culinary marathon — and honestly, it is. The holiday menus shift, the energy shifts, and everyone feels the buzz of creativity and celebration.
We’re already onto sufganiyot production this week, with our first orders going out Friday! Meanwhile, I’m on the hunt for our café decorations. The box seems to have gone mysteriously missing (classic), but I’ll give it one more look — and if not, well… I’ll happily go buy more sparkle and lights. This time of year, as the cold settles in and the snow starts to fall, the idea of gathering with family and friends becomes even more meaningful.
Last night, I had two meetings about upcoming Hanukkah events, and both left me smiling. One was for the Ovation Foundation — I’m so excited to work in the new event space at The Argo, and I always love collaborating with Ovation. After consulting with them for over four years, it’s still such an honor to serve residents and connect with a generation so deeply woven into this community’s history.
Then I headed to a private home in Hartland, where I met a truly lovely family planning a Hanukkah party for their neighbors. Talking Jewish food, doing a little Jewish geography (of course!), and feeling their excitement for sharing the holiday was just wonderful. A highlight for me was chatting with their daughter, Ella, who had the sweetest enthusiasm about Hanukkah.
There is so much coming up to celebrate this season, and I absolutely love seeing my staff energized and ready to make it all happen. I hope to see you over the next couple of weeks — at community events, private parties, enjoying a meal in the café, or picking up your sufganiyot and latkes.
Last year we made over 3,000 latkes and 2,000 sufganiyot. I can’t wait to see what this year brings!
And don’t forget to keep an eye out for our specialty sufganiyot pop-ups hitting the café throughout Hanukkah. Otherwise, our classics — jelly, custard, and chocolate — are available for preorder now.
Here’s to warmth, light, and delicious things ahead.
