Iconic New York deli Katz’s is known for a lot of things. Mile-high pastrami sandwiches, Jewish specialties like matzo ball soup and knishes, being Anthony Bourdain’s favorite late-night spot , and the “I’ll have what she’s having” scene from “When Harry Met Sally…” (and the Harry and Sally Super Bowl reunion ) are among them. It’s also become such an institution that you can order its delicious food from anywhere in the U.S. and it will be shipped to your doorstep.
Katz’s offers an elaborate Passover dinner that feeds 6-8 people and is available for shipping in time for the high holiday; it includes brisket, gravy, gefilte fish, matzo ball soup, potato kugel , and honey cake. However, there’s a major caveat you should know if you are thinking about ordering it for your holiday. A bold and red note on Katz’s website states, “This package contains traditional Jewish delicacies to celebrate Passover, however please note that Katz’s products are not certified kosher, nor are they kosher for Passover.”
If you keep a kosher household, or even if you just keep kosher during the Passover holiday, this offering from Katz’s isn’t going to be up to your standards. Some of it has to do with Katz’s lack of certification overall, and some of it is because of the ingredients used in some of the items in the Passover dinner bundle. Let’s get into it.
Why Isn’t Katz’s Deli Kosher?
Kosher certification is a very serious standard. There is a set of dietary guidelines called Kashrut that govern the way observant Jews eat and prepare their food. Those who keep kosher observe these rules in their daily lives. And restaurants that claim to be kosher must be certified by a third party and must, in the state of New York, register with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Meats…