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Ask Dr.Food

Question: Over the past year, how has HANSON chosen to celebrate birthdays?

Answer: Wow, what a great question! The answer of course, depends whose birthday is being celebrated, as well as where the birthday is being celebrated. For Isaac, Taylor and Zac, the meal of choice tends to be an all-time favorite. For example, Taylor’s recent 15th birthday was celebrated in California with charbroiled N.Y. steak strips, bakes potatoes, mixed green salad and chocolate raspberry torte topped with vanilla ice cream. On their sister Jessica’s birthday, the entourage was "down under" and everyone feasted on an extraordinary burger spread courtesy of Planet Hollywood of Sydney, Australia. For Eva Adams (their international publicist), the band took time out from their hectic schedule recording "Snowed In" to celebrate her birthday with a simple, traditional cake and ice cream party, in the English countryside. Also, while in Boston last December, the band joined Dr. Food himself in observing his annual birthday ritual of spaghetti and meatballs.

As you can see, the method of celebrating birthdays in "Hansonland" is as varied as the birthday being celebrated. It was in this spirit that the band, their family, and their friends celebrated a rather unusual birthday in early May of this year. The nation of Israel was commemorating its 50th anniversary, and Hanson took advantage of the festivities surrounding the even to venture into Manhattan’s Lower East Side (accompanied by Steve Greenberg, Deputy Dr.Food-Kosher Division). Our misson? To explore New York City's kosher deli culture. Our stop? None other than the renowned Second Avenue Deli.

Our culinary celebration began with Chicken Matzoball Soup, which we all enjoyed. The soup was followed by everyone's first experience with Chopped Liver, a taste that did not win many people's favor. Next was the main attraction: large platters of Second Avenue Deli’s famous Corned Beef, pastrami and brisket. The meat was accompanied by freshly baked rye bread, and condiments, allowing us to create our own sandwiches. Everybody loved the result - thick and meaty sandwiches with a never before experienced  tast - Yum!!! The meal was followed by a desert of Chocolate Rugulah, a bite-sized sweet pastry; the perfect conclusion to a glorious feast.

There was one dish that earned rave reviews was a mystery to all (except yours truly). Throughout the meal the restaurant staff continuously provided bowls of a fresh grain and pasta side dish for us to enjoy during the meal. The predictable question asked by all was," what is this?" At last, the good Doctor was in his element. I explained to my curious companions the dish was called Kasha Varnishkas, a traditional Jewish holiday favorite consisting of thick bow shaped egg noodles, with buckwheat groats. There is no need to wait another 50 years to enjoy this historic dish; it is delicious and especially satisfying on cold winter days as a light supper, lunch or even for breakfast.

 

Email: totallytaylor83@hotmail.com