It’s not often that Christmas falls on the last day of Hanukkah, but this year we get to celebrate Chrismukkah. However, the first night of the eight-night menorah celebration starts at sunset on Sunday, December 18. A variety of fried treats, including the delicious sufganiyot – a doughnut filled with jelly — will be available. On the menu throughout the week: slow-roasted meats (hello, brisket!) and smoked seafood. Of course you’re going to eat the kugel. So, take a spin on the dreidel and utilise this guide to local eateries, bakers, and caterers to increase your chances of winning big during Hanukkah.
The Arbella, 112 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
Arbella, a worldly River North pub, has collaborated with Firecake Donuts to create “Old School Hanukkah Sufganiyot,” which are loaded with mixed fruit preserves from Mick Klug Farms. It will sit atop a unique cocktail of grape jelly ice and peanut butter fat-washed vodka. Joe Doose, general manager and managing partner, wanted to create a festive drink that would “bring us all together” for the holidays, and what better way than with an alcoholic twist on the classic PB&J and a jelly-filled treat? Obtainable between December 18th and the 26th.
Retail Deity and Goddess
Chicago addresses: 1649 N. Damen Ave. in Bucktown; 1127 N. State St. in the Gold Coast; 901 N. Larrabee St. in the River North; 911 W. Randolph St. in Fulton Market
Celebrity caterer and Australian chef Debbie Sharpe is usually on top of her game, but more so during the Jewish holidays. Chicken matzo ball soup, bite-sized potato latkes with smoked salmon and caviar, braised short ribs in balsamic and red wine reduction, chicken marbella, and classic noodle kugel all feature on her à la carte menu, which reads like a “best of Hanukkah” offering. Do Rite Donuts provides the classic Sufganiyot as well as Hanukkah cupcakes and cookies (complete with a decorating kit). Cost is determined on quantity ordered. Orders are due by noon on Wednesday, December 14, for pickup (and limited delivery) between December 18 and 24 during regular office hours.
The Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar, located at 2700 W. Chicago Ave.
Take out options from this Ukrainian Village staple include smoked whitefish salad with parsley, celery, and lemon; beet-cured gravlax with crème fraiche and herbs; house-baked rye and sourdough breads; Chef Guy’s giant potato and apple latkes with crème fraiche and umami-laden black garlic-apple sauce; slow-roasted brisket in house chile sauce; noodle kugel; and assorted caviar. Place your order before the 26th for collection between the 18th and the 26th; we’ll be closed on Christmas Day.
Bakery, Hewn, 1733 Central St., Evanston; Hewn Bakery, Libertyville, 348 N. Milwaukee Ave.
No North Shore celebration is complete without treats from this award-winning bakery. Remember to pre-order their delicious raspberry-filled sufganiyot (baked, not deep-fried, so it’s healthy… right?) and their sinful Chocolate Babka for your Hanukkah table. Place your pre-order by the 15th to have it ready for you to pick up on the 18th at either the Evanston mainstay or the soon-to-open Liberyville outpost.
Seventeen hundred and ten North Lincoln Avenue, L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge, Skokie
This Skokie mainstay is stocked with everything the traditional Hanukkah fare you could want, from matzo ball soup and latkes to brisket and green beans. But even the burger on the standard menu is prepared with prime brisket, so there’s a lot to try there. Try Sima’s unique chicken as well; it’s pounded thin and served with lemon butter and capers. You can’t go wrong with this one! Dinner, takeout, and delivery Hanukkah discounts are offered from December 18 to December 26.
Masa Madre
Pickup locations: The Shudio 1152 W 18th St.; Lululemon, 944 W North Ave.; and The Hatchery, 135 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
Online Mexican-Jewish patisserie that uses traditional techniques During the epidemic, Tamar Fasja Unikel and Elena Vazquez Felgueres began baking together, which stimulated interest in Masa Madre. You’re missing out if you haven’t experienced their delicious fusion of cultures; some of my faves are the Cinnamon Churro Babka and the Hibiscus Za’atar Challah. They have special boxes of rugelach and sufganiyot filled with café con leche or cajeta (goat’s milk caramel) during Hanukkah. Are you expecting a large number of people? The 7-pound Celebration Challah is enough food for 40 guests. The amount of joy expressed there is astounding. We are currently accepting online orders for pickup or delivery on 12/16, 12/21, and 12/22.
Café Prairie Grass, Northbrook, Illinois; 601 Skokie Boulevard
Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris, the restaurant’s chefs and owners, have prepared a special Hanukkah menu for the holiday. The $118 Hanukkah Dinner Package for Two includes dishes like slow-braised BBQ all-natural brisket with smashed roasted cauliflower, potato latkes with sour cream and Sarah’s apple butter, mixed green salad with citrus-marinated beets, feta and tahini dressing, and flourless chocolate cake. These seasonal dishes are also available for in-restaurant dining. Put in your orders for takeout by Thursday, December 15 for Sunday, December 18 pick-up.
Very Chill Desserts
Chicago addresses: 709 W. Belden Ave., Lincoln Park; 2353 N. California Ave., Logan Square Galit, Chicago address: 2429 N. Lincoln Ave.
It’s the perfect frozen treat for Hanukkah! The Pretty Cool Krembo, based on a popular Israeli dessert, is a collaboration between award-winning pastry chef Dana Cree of Pretty Cool Ice Cream and Mary Eder-McClure, pastry chef at Galit. Both Pretty Cool Ice Cream and Galit provide ice cream bars and plated desserts with a unique combination of orange blossom-scented marshmallow ice cream, coriander shortbread, dark chocolate, and undertones of pistachio and orange. The Halva Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is sandwiched with caramelised honey and tahini ice cream, then coated in rich dark chocolate and wrapped in crumbled halva, is also available as a Hanukkah special at Pretty Cool. Oy! The thought of eating it makes my mouth water. This flavour will be sold in Galit and Pretty Cool Ice Cream shops throughout the month of December 2022.
Santa Monica Summer Home, 1954 N. Halsted Street, Chicago
The latkes are the main attraction at this sunny Lincoln Park restaurant that has a very California feel. Choose from the Traditional House-Made Latkes served with Apple Sauce and Sour Cream, or the Smoked Salmon and Chive Cream-topped Latkes for a more sophisticated meal. Sturgeon caviar is the perfect finishing touch for a lavish meal. On this year’s holiday meal you’ll also discover Braised Leek Latkes with Grainy Mustard and red-Wine Shallots. Available for dine-in, takeout, or delivery from December 18-26, including Hanukkah promotions.
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