Dining Kosher with the Sagers

There are few people on the planet that I am fonder of than Susan Sager. Born Susan Hawkins, she fell in love with my long-time friend Alan Sager and formed a lasting bond that produced four lovely children. And, she converted to Judaism from her Protestant upbringing. And like everything Susan does, she handled the conversion at full-throttle speed.

Susan brings life to a room like few others can. She sparkles with wit and enthusiasm and she is an absolute joy to be around. And getting to the point of this food blog, the woman can flat out cook. She and Alan had Marge and I over for a kosher meal last week at the Sager’s home. We were joined by former City Councilperson Louise Epstein and her husband. Susan made a remarkable kosher brisket along with a light sauce made from the jus. It was spectacular. A rice pilaf and a platter of haricots verts (French for green beans) that were al dente and absolutely perfect accompanied. And Louise greened things up with a sensational salad. Then, to top things off, she made a gluten-free dessert for Louise that we all loved: it was a kind of blackberry cobbler with a luscious crème freche that almost exploded with flavor.

There are people who incorrectly think that Kosher meals must be boring. Not in the hands of Susan Sager they’re not. True, there are certain concessions that have to be made involving shell fish for instance, and blending dairy products along with other food groups. But Kosher meals can be fantastic. Last time she had us for dinner, she grilled Kosher rib eyes that were beyond belief on the flavor front.

So thanks Susan. Oh by the way, we’re free for dinner just about any time with a little notice! (lol.)