All photos courtesy of The Great Knosh
New York City’s top restaurants are heading to Governors Island this summer for a one-day-only Jewish food and culture festival. Taking place Sunday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Great Nosh is a picnic-style party with collaborations between some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, including Katz’s Deli, Russ & Daughters, Apollo Bagels, and Morgenstern’s.
Presented by the Jewish Food Society, the festival will feature exclusive collaborations between some of the city’s top chefs, interactive art installations, and live music performances throughout the day.
Festival bites include a roti and corned beef Reuben sandwich from Katz’s Deli and Thai Diner; a black-and-white cookie cheesecake sandwich with cherry jam from chef Caroline Schiff and Junior’s; a combination of schnitzel and fish and chips with tehina ketchup and amba from Zahav and Dame; and a bialy topped with smoked eggplant and zucchini banchan from Elbow Bread Bakery and Korean restaurant Sunny’s.
Additional collaborations include Russ & Daughters teaming up with Morgenstern’s Ice Cream, and Tatiana partnering with Dickson’s Farmstand Meats.
Festival attendees can build their own picnic spreads with a curated selection of the city’s best seasonal produce, available at a marketplace hosted in partnership with Alimentari Flâneur. Offerings will include fresh cheeses, pickles, dried fruits, breads, tinned fish, olives, and more.
Michelin-starred wine bar and restaurant, The Four Horsemen, will host an open-air wine bar at the festival, offering guests a curated selection of natural and seasonal wines, perfectly suited for the occasion.
A cast of local musicians will perform throughout the day, while illustrator Rachel Shalev will sketch portraits of guests. Additionally, artist Tom Pnini will present a family-friendly interactive art installation, including a cardboard car race where kids can build and race handmade vehicles.
Other programming highlights include a “grandmas” cooking demo tent hosted by food writers Gail Simmons and Pati Jinich, a beading workshop, and an “Old Jewish Men” arm-wrestling challenge.
“The Great Nosh is about joy, culture, and celebrating our city,” Naama Shefi, founder of the Jewish Food Society and creator of the Great Nosh, said. “At a time when the world feels increasingly lonely, we’re creating an experience that brings New Yorkers of all backgrounds together to highlight diverse Jewish flavors, stories, and traditions.”
Tickets are $40 per person and include a picnic tote, a limited-edition blanket, reusable utensils, complimentary water, and access to on-site activities.
Picnic-table seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will happen rain or shine.
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