The ‘Que’ stops its ‘Wandering’ after 20 years

After two decades serving the kosher community, The Wandering Que has closed.

In a heartfelt message to customers, Pitmaster Ari White reflected on a journey that began 20 years ago and grew from a barbecue operation into one of the best-known names in kosher smoked meats. Along the way, The Wandering Que became a fixture at weddings, bar mitzvahs, community events and food festivals, earning a loyal following among barbecue fans throughout the kosher community.

The farewell message thanked all those who helped make the business possible, while reflecting on the relationships built over the years.

Known for its slow-smoked brisket, ribs, pulled beef and other barbecue specialties, The Wandering Que played a significant role in introducing authentic smoked barbecue to a wider kosher audience. Its impact on the kosher food scene will not soon be forgotten.

Häagen-Dazs opens in Oceanside

A new kosher-certified Häagen-Dazs location has opened at 3567 Long Beach Road in Oceanside under the supervision of the Vaad of Oceanside (Rabbi Jonathan Muskat).

The location offers the brand’s familiar selection of premium ice cream and frozen desserts. Customers should note that the certification does not include gummy bear toppings, strawberries or smoothies.

The store is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm and can be reached at 516-206-3696.

Navaratna closes in Stamford

After remaining closed for an extended period while the owner traveled to Nepal to care for his ailing mother, Navaratna in Stamford has officially come to an end, with the location now listed for sale.

For years, Navaratna was a destination for kosher diners throughout the Northeast, offering one of the region’s few dedicated kosher Indian restaurants under the Vaad HaKashrus of Fairfield County.

The restaurant was especially popular among travelers heading through Connecticut, as authentic kosher Indian cuisine has long been difficult to find. Its closure leaves a noticeable void for those looking for unique kosher dining options outside the major kosher population centers.

Sen Sakana De Gustibus cooking class

Fans of Sen Sakana will have the opportunity to learn from Executive Chef Mina Newman, who will be featured in an upcoming cooking class at Manhattan’s renowned De Gustibus Culinary Studio. The class will highlight the Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, known as Nikkei, that has made Sen Sakana one of New York’s most distinctive kosher restaurants.

Newman will demonstrate some of the techniques and flavors behind the restaurant’s menu while giving attendees the opportunity to sample the dishes being prepared.

Tickets are currently available for $165 through De Gustibus Culinary Studio.

Patis closes Avenue M location

Patis Bakery has closed its 1716 Avenue M location in Brooklyn, continuing a significant downsizing for what was once one of kosher dining’s fastest-growing bakery chains.

At its peak in late 2023, Patis operated 16 locations across multiple states. Following this closure, the bakery’s remaining locations are in Teaneck, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Crown Heights, Lawrence and a seasonal Catskills location.

While the Avenue M café is no longer operating, Patis continues to offer its signature artisan breads, pastries, cakes, sandwiches and coffee drinks at its remaining locations, maintaining a presence in several of the New York area’s largest kosher communities.

Holy Toast expands to Brooklyn

South Florida sandwich shop Holy Toast has expanded with the opening of its newest location at 628 Avenue U in Brooklyn. The new restaurant marks the brand’s third location, following its original locations in Surfside and Miami, with another location already planned for Teaneck.

Known for creative toasted sandwiches and late-night offerings, Holy Toast brings its menu of specialty sandwiches to Brooklyn under the supervision of the Orthodox Union (OU).

The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am until 2 am, Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Saturday beginning one hour after Shabbat until 2 am.

For more information, visit HolyToast.com or call 305-784-4116.

Tripping Kosher brings kosher food to JLTV

Kosher food lovers now have a new television series to add to their watch list.

Tripping Kosher has made its debut on Jewish Life Television (JLTV), bringing viewers on culinary road trips that explore kosher restaurants and Jewish communities across North America. Hosted by CW Silverberg, the series blends restaurant visits with local attractions, giving viewers ideas for where to eat while traveling and introducing them to the people behind each destination.

The first season features stops in Chicago, Miami, New Jersey, Rhode Island and more, showcasing everything from neighborhood favorites to destination restaurants. Along the way, Silverberg meets with chefs, restaurant owners and community leaders, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what makes each stop unique.

Originally launched as a digital series, Tripping Kosher now reaches a national audience through JLTV, giving kosher travelers another resource for discovering food destinations across the country.

Rita’s Italian Ice opens kosher Pomona location

Frozen dessert chain Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard has opened a new kosher stire at 1581 Route 202 in Pomona, located in the Evergreen Uptown Plaza shopping center. The location offers Rita’s popular lineup of Italian ice, frozen custard, gelatis and other frozen treats, along with outdoor seating and a drive-through for added convenience.

The shop is certified Cholov Yisroel under Tarnopol Kashrus and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Saturday beginning one hour after Shabbat until 1 am.

For more information, visit RitasOfMonsey.com or call 845-406-6785.

SmokinDeal opens first restaurant in Oakhurst

After building a following since launching in 2020, SmokinDeal has opened its first storefront at 250 Norwood Avenue in Oakhurst, taking over the former location of Slices. The smokehouse had previously operated as a delivery-focused business and is now bringing its barbecue offerings to a permanent counter-service location.

The menu features smoked meats and barbecue favorites, including brisket, ribeye steak sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, empanadas and other house specialties.

Under the supervision of the Jersey Shore Orthodox Rabbinate (JSOR), SmokinDeal is open Sunday from noon to 10 pm, Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturday beginning one hour after Shabbat until 1 am. The restaurant is closed Mondays.

For more information, visit Smokin-Deal.com or call 732-757-2595.