Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/24/23

Sunday, September 17, Aziza is hosting a Fall Equinox & Rosh Hashanah Dinner to celebrate new beginnings in honor of the two occasions. The menu is $90 per person, and reservations can be booked here from 5-10pm.

Located in West Midtown, Aziza (“happiness” in Arabic) offers modern Israeli cuisine with fresh takes on traditional dishes, while paying homage to Founder Tal Baum’s childhood in Israel. This dinner will celebrate the season’s harvest and incorporate the restaurant’s staple flavors, all  with a particular focus on 10 symbolic Rosh Hashanah food items through various dishes & courses. 

“Our upcoming dinner aims to blend the spirit of renewal associated with both Rosh Hashanah and the equinox,” says Oliva Founder Tal Baum. “It is an opportunity to celebrate an evening of new beginnings together.”

Traditionally, Rosh Hashanah starts with a small Seder (similar to the Passover Seder), composed of different blessings all related to successful new beginnings, positivity, prosperity and renewal. A seasonal ingredient or dish is associated with each blessing – think pomegranate, apple, honey, dates, pumpkin, lamb and fish. The seasonal fare and the different blessings will be weaved throughout the menu and will allow guests to learn more about this beautiful Jewish New Year tradition while enjoying a phenomenal multi-course dinner. 

Menu: 

Bread 

Challah

Salatim for the Table

Roasted Beets – honey vinaigrette, hazelnut oil, apples

Chirshi – butternut squash, pepitas, sumac

Babaganoush – pine nuts, pomegranate, tehina

Rishon

Choice of:

Hummus

Hummus Lamb Mechoui –  silan, harissa oil

Hummus Vegetarian – leeks, black garlic, Laban Kishk

Entrees

Choice of:

Lamb Loin Kebab – Turnip, fennel, cipollini, green chermoula

Lamb & Brisket Manti – tomato brown butter, labne, Aleppo, mint

Grilled Branzino – tamarind, fenugreek, spiced potatoes, toum

Stuffed Grape Leaves – lentils, walnuts, smoked cinnamon, chraime, crispy okra

Desserts 

Apple Tart – honey ice cream

Malabi – Rose, Pistachios 

Pomegranate Sorbet