Kosher Sushi in Double Bay
A contented crowd of kosher Sydneysiders have enjoyed an authentic Japanese meal in the well-known Niji Restaurant and Bar, Double Bay.
Rhaji Kanal and Rabbi Aaron Groner
The restaurant was given over for two nights – 18 and 19 November – to the Kashrut Authority (KA) who ensured that every single aspect of the evening was both kosher and Japanese.
While the restaurant seats 95, it was decided to stagger groups in four overlapping sittings. Both nights sold out within a few hours – via KA’s Facebook Chat Daily group.
In spite of the constant influx of customers, there was calm in the kitchen and the food , which looked both fresh and appetizing – kept on coming.
J-Wire was there to observe groups intermingling and chatting making for a festive atmosphere. A staff member told J-Wire she found it amazing that ”so many people knew each other.”
It took Rabbi Aaron Groner about 4 hours to kasher the kitchen before the bar was tackled.
“It was indeed a mammoth undertaking to get ready and bring in all the special supplies” said Raji Khanal , Niji’s owner.
Kosher Japanese beef
“ I hope that these customers have had a good experience and will want to repeat it” he said.
When asked if he would be willing to do it again, Khanal said he would as long as it was for at least two nights to amortize the effort, time and expense of preparations.
Avi and Simcha were just two of the satisfied customers who told J-Wire that they would return if it was on again.
The set menu kicked off with Seared Salmon Tataki, followed by Sashimi, Nigiri and a Maki Roll. There was a choice of three mains – Chicken Teriyaki, Scotch Fillet with an amayaki sauce or Lamb Cutlets marinated in red wine and miso.
Mango crumble with cinnamon or raspberry cake were dessert choices.
Rabbi Groner explained that after holding a similar event for Turkish cuisine, the idea evolved to hold a Japanese evening and involved many consultations and discussions.
“I like a challenge and wanted to offer a new experience. It was important that the food was Japanese and not a Jewish version of the cuisine.”
“We didn’t need gefilte fish” he added with a smile.
It was a balmy evening, there was a definite party atmosphere and quite a few guests chose to be seated outside, making for a truly authentic Double Bay experience.
