Eateries Prepare For Yom Kippur

As the Jewish High Holidays come to a conclusion at sundown Sept. 18, some Buffalo Grove establishments are preparing for the traditional break-the-fast holiday meal.

Original Bagel and Bialy employees are anticipating more than 1,000 customers will walk through the doors this holiday weekend.

"This is the busiest time of the year for us," said Ignacio Licea, who has managed the restaurant for seven years. "We have over 250 orders and are preparing over 170 lox trays for pickup and delivery."

"Break fast" is typically a light meal of smoked salmon (lox), eggs, soup, bread and cheese.

Jews fast as they observe the Yom Kippur holiday, which is when Jews atone for their sins of the past year.

Many Jews who do not regularly observe other religious holidays often make an exception for Yom Kippur, which is the Jewish New Year and considered by many to be the most significant Jewish holiday.

Buffalo Grove's Shalom Kosher Bakery received more than 100 advance orders for the holiday, said Ava Benezra, daughter of bakery owner Miguel Benezra.

She said she anticipates more than 400 customers will come through the doors Friday.

"Our most popular item is the chocolate alligator coffee cake, which is chocolate chips, fudge, and pecans," she said. "We have prepared over 100 coffee cakes and if we see we have a need for more, we prepare them."

Pete Panayiotou, owner of The Continental Restaurant, has been serving patrons for the past 16 years. Panayiotou, who has received more than 138 orders for the break-the-fast meal, said "business is up 15 percent from last year."

Heather Jarvis, who has been a waitress at The Continental for almost two years, said she is excited for the upcoming holiday rush, as "patrons are in a good mood and tips are generally high."

Original Bagel and Bialy and The Continental Restaurant will both accept holiday orders through Friday afternoon.