Urban Seder, March 29th, 2010

Passover is different from all other nights, especially at sundown on Monday, March 29 at when Chef Matt Gordon and proprietor Scott Watkins will present their second annual “Urban Seder.”

Jews and gentiles will gather around the table for a lively dinner and Passover Seder, led by San Diego favorites: Sam the Cooking Guy (Sam Zien) and restaurant critic Steve Silverman. And it’s all for a good cause, as a portion of the dinner’s proceeds will benefit Jewish Family Service’s “Project SARAH,” supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

Sam the Cooking Guy and Steve Silverman will conduct the Seder using the "Haggadah for Urban Solace" compiled by Steve.  Then mixing his signature style with time-honored recipes, Chef Gordon will serve, family-style, dishes including chicken liver pâté, charoset and house-made gefilte fish. The Seder will conclude with a four course dinner paired with a selection of West Coast Wines:

First: Caramelized Fennel and Roasted Garlic Matzo Ball with Jidori Chicken Consommé

Second: Cold Smoked Char with Asparagus/Lemon/Herb Quinoa

Third: Braised Shortrib, Green Garlic Pistou, Sweet Potato-Parsnip Tzimmes

Fourth: Lemon Blackberry Cake with Basil/Mint and Cracked Almonds

Passover commemorates the Jews' flight from Egypt over 3,000 years ago. During the Seder participants read from the Haggadah, which recounts the story of the Exodus.

The price is $90 for adults, including wine, and $75 for children. For reservations and information, e-mail Debi Saltzberg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Space is limited.

Please be aware that all dietary restrictions must be communicated about in advance!  *this is not a kosher meal but served "kosher style!"

About Project SARAH

Project SARAH (Stop Abusive Relationships at Home), a program of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, offers a safe, confidential setting for adults and teens experiencing abuse and for children growing up in abusive homes. The nonprofit organization includes professional staff and specially trained counselors offering emergency help, counseling and support, child and adolescent therapy, support groups, financial assistance, advocacy and assistance for individuals in shelters with observance/dietary needs. Project SARAH’s services are open to the entire community. For more information, call 858-637-3200 or visit http://www.jfssd.org/projectsarah.

About Urban Solace

Urban Solace is located at 3823 30th Street, in the heart of North Park, and is open for lunch Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; dinner Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m.; and for Sunday Bluegrass Brunch, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant features live jazz on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Menu items range from $8 to $15.75 for lunch and $9 to $17.75 for dinner. For more information, call 619-295-6464 or visit http://www.urbansolace.net.