On a comfortable Friday in July with the sun setting behind us, my friends and I enjoyed dinner with a view.
The JCC in Manhattan's Shabbat in the Sky program invites local twenties and thirties to host our own rooftop dinners on select Fridays this summer. Given the tight quarters in most apartments, including my own, the opportunity to plan a personalized dinner party outside of one's living constraints is a novel one. With five girlfriends in tow, I checked it out for myself.
The JCC in Manhattan's Shabbat in the Sky program invites local twenties and thirties to host our own rooftop dinners on select Fridays this summer. Given the tight quarters in most apartments, including my own, the opportunity to plan a personalized dinner party outside of one's living constraints is a novel one. With five girlfriends in tow, I checked it out for myself.
In the true DIY spirit of the evening, we were invited to design our own table upon arrival. We chose from an array of beautiful fresh-cut flowers and eclectic vases to create our centerpiece, and also selected our own candles, kiddush cup, and challah bread. As you can see below, we went for a greenish, "nature" vibe. Super zen for kicking off the Day of Rest.
Our group-curated tablescape was not the only "zen" component of the night. Masseuses gave complimentary hand massages to guests, removing any final thoughts of the past week. Wine, already waiting for us on the table, also helped with that. It's included in the reasonable fee of $18 for a half table or $36 for a whole one.
Our group-curated tablescape was not the only "zen" component of the night. Masseuses gave complimentary hand massages to guests, removing any final thoughts of the past week. Wine, already waiting for us on the table, also helped with that. It's included in the reasonable fee of $18 for a half table or $36 for a whole one.
With wine flowing, live jazz playing, and the sun setting, we commemorated the end of a long summer week by doing the only reasonable next thing to do: eat. The meal itself was BYO, and even I - a self-declared MVP of all things "potluck" and "BYO" - was impressed by some of the spreads. Groups brought catered trays from Fairway, homemade delicacies, dips, breads, and salads. We ordered from Josie's, a healthful neighborhood spot that my husband refuses to eat at, but works perfectly for women who prefer brown rice. Or at least women like us, who may not prefer brown rice, but feel compelled to pursue such an option to counterbalance our intake of wine. Should we include the men next time, I have a feeling our vegetarian-friendly meal will look more like pizza and pasta. But for our ladies night, Josie's was a fine option.
Dessert was served just as the sky grew dark and the rooftop garden lights illuminated. Generous selections of petits fours and fruit also come with the price of reserving a table. And while the sweet treats were a yummy perk, I found the experience of dining in a unique way with great company, and great views, to be the most valuable part the night.
Special thanks to Erica and Shoshana at the JCC for their help in setting up our wonderful evening!
Dessert was served just as the sky grew dark and the rooftop garden lights illuminated. Generous selections of petits fours and fruit also come with the price of reserving a table. And while the sweet treats were a yummy perk, I found the experience of dining in a unique way with great company, and great views, to be the most valuable part the night.
Special thanks to Erica and Shoshana at the JCC for their help in setting up our wonderful evening!
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