Eat and Drink at Ditmas Park’s Invite-Only Kosher Party
Once a month, neighbor and professional cook Itta Wediger Roth hosts The Hester, an invite-only supper club in her home that has managed to attract hundreds of guests and quite a bit of press from the Jewish community (see: Ha’aretz, Jdate and Yeah That’s Kosher) and beyond (see New York magazine).
Arielle Klein explains the process:
In order to attend, you must get on the list and then RSVP (or keep tabs on their new website).
In order to “buy” food or drinks: tickets are purchased, which are then redeemed for the various food and drink options of your choice. 2 tickets are traded in for each of the 3 meals; 1 ticket for a beer, and 2 tickets for the mixed drinks. Water is free and served in old wine bottles, a fun touch. If you see that you haven’t purchased enough tickets more can be purchased on site.
Whether or not the location (near Avenue H and Ocean Avenue) sits in Ditmas Park (as Itta and some realtors say) or Midwood, the club is attracting a diverse crowd from both neighborhoods. Thanks to word of mouth and the power of good press, new patrons are coming from greater distances to taste the organic, seasonal and mostly local food.
The music tends toward jazz but, in keeping with their religion, dancing and female singing is not allowed.
The Hester’s next event is set for October 23 at 8 p.m.
