It is a different kind of Passover this year, with shelter in place orders in effect across Bay Area and the state. The weeklong holiday begins this week, and restaurants all over the Bay Area are preparing seder meals for take-out and delivery to adapt, as the order remains in effect throughout the state.
One of these restaurants is Perbacco in San Francisco, and chef Staffan Terje has put together what he is calling a simple passover meal.
“Antipasto, roasted baby beets with horseradish aioli and poached asparagus, smoked salmon, matzo ball soup," said Terje, "then a whole roasted chicken with potatoes and salsa verde.”
Chef Mat Schuster of Canela Bistro in San Francisco says his restaurant usually offers dine in meals for the holiday, but the shelter in place order changed those plans:
“We had written the menu a couple of months ago, and now we had to tweak it just a little bit to put it into the to-go format.” said Schuster
Schuster said is also adding a personal touch to the takeout and delivery seder meals his restaurant is preparing.
“I had my nieces in Texas put together a Passover cheat sheet that has kind of like the highlights of the Passover seder and the holiday." said Schutser, "then we’re going to print that out and put that into all the bags.”
Some restaurnats are seeing very high demand for their Passover offerings. Evan Bloom with the Wise Sons Deli says his restaurant basically sold out for passover takeout.
“We’ve received an unprecedented amount of catering orders," said Bloom, "I think we’re somewhere near 700 orders.”
Some synagogues and Jewish Community Centers around the Bay also are holding virtual seders this year.
“I think it’s hard for people right now, not only with their regular day to day routines that have changed but also to incorporate any kind of a holiday or celebration into it.” said Terje.
Steve Meyberg with Gunther’s Restaurant and Catering says his business is keeping vulnerable residents in mind.
“If there are seniors that can’t get out, just give us a call. We’ll find a way to make it happen for delivery.” said Meyberg.