Kosher dining returns to DCJCC

The void created when the Distrikt Bistro left the Washington DC Jewish Community Center in May is at last being filled with the aromatic smells of soups and fresh vegetables from Soupergirl. In addition, in less than two months, a full dairy restaurant serving pizza will open there.

On Monday, Soupergirl opened its third restaurant. Actually the new one, located inside the DCJCC, will be a pop-up eatery, selling kosher soups and salads with locally grown “and absolutely delicious” ingredients, said owner Sara Polon. She said this restaurant that will offer self-service with seating.

Soupergirl is open for dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays through the end of this year. It is being operated under the rabbinical supervision of Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of Ohev Sholom-The National Synagogue.

Beginning in January, Silver Crust will take up residence at the Harold and Barbara Berman Cafe in the DCJCC. Operated by Josh Katz, owner of Ben Yehuda Cafe and Pizzeria in Silver Spring, the restaurant will serve its famous pizza as well as a full sit-down menu of pastas and salad. There also will be an emphasis on grab and go for the busy professionals, Katz said.

Katz is hoping Silver Crust will fill the need for kosher pizza in the District while offering full meals as well. His new restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and will be Vaad-certified.

The name Silver Crust comes from the fact the restaurant’s roots are in Silver Spring, combined with the  concept of treating diners so well they feel like they are being served meals on a silver platter, Katz explained.

Silver Crust has committed to being at the JCC for several years and currently is working to get a pizza oven installed. “We still have a lot to do” before opening in January, he said.

Meanwhile, Soupergirl will be warming up those attending programs at the center with its hot soups. The menu will be similar to the ones at her other locations in Takoma and M Street between 18^th and 19^th Streets in the District.

Carol Zawatsky, CEO at the DCJCC, described the Soupergirl pop-up as “very hip and contemporary notion. It gives us that sense of excitement.”

If things can be worked out between Katz and Polon, Soupergirl may continue at the JCC indefinitely, Zawatsky said. Working out of the JCC year-round is something Polon “absolutely” would like to do, she said.

Besides being able to offer meals again at the JCC, Zawatsky also is excited that two local Jewish families will be the ones at the stoves and ovens. “We really should be so proud,” she said, pointing out that Polon is a graduate of the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School.

Zawatsky is pleased that the DCJCC, which caters to a healthy body and mind, will once again be offering healthy Jewish kosher food.

“How appropriate is that!” she said.