Chag Sameach - Where to Eat for the Festival of Lights

At sundown today (December 16), the Hanukkah holiday will be kicking in for those who celebrate it, as well as anyone curious about, or interested in the traditional food of the season or Israeli/Middle East cuisine in general.

While New Orleans awaits the opening of the city's first modern Israeli restaurant from Alon Shaya, called Shaya and set to open Uptown next year, the chef continues his Hanukkah menu tradition at Domenica. Starting today and going through to December 24, enjoy Chef Shaya's take on the traditional cuisine of the holiday and region with a four course prix fixe menu which includes latkes served with aleppo pepper, soft boiled egg, caviar, creamy feta, and apple preserves; root vegetables with hummus, hawayej, and hazelnut vinaigrette; za'atar fried chicken with pickled cabbage, satsuma mostarda, and harissa; and a sugar and baharat spiced doughnut served with hot espresso fudge for dessert.

For a more casual Hanukkah celebration experience, head over to the Avenue Pub for latkes, mince pies, and some He'brew Jewbulation 18 beer from Schmaltz Brewing to wash it down with.

And of course, for Hanukkah and for Jewish deli food needs all year long, look to Stein's Deli on Magazine Street, which has been providing traditional meats, fish, and pastries to New Orleans for years. As it's a craft beer haven as well, seek out Schmaltz's He'brew gift pack to take home or to gift, which includes a build-your-own menorah in the box.

Know of more great options for Hanukkah dining? Do leave a comment.