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New York has a lot of food festivals. But very few involve pastrami tacos, challah Korean fried chicken sandwiches, natural wine, flower crowns and Gail Simmons hanging out in something called “The Grandmas Tent.”
The Great Nosh, the wildly popular Jewish food festival that sold out during its debut last year, is officially returning to Governors Island on Sunday, June 21. Presented by the Jewish Food Society, the one-day outdoor festival turns Governors Island into a giant picnic celebrating Jewish food culture across New York City, with chef collaborations, live music, arts programming and enough carbs to require a nap immediately afterward.
This year’s food lineup is absurdly stacked with exclusive collaborations: Katz's Delicatessen is teaming up with Santo Taco for pastrami tacos with avocado salsa and pickled escabeche; Russ & Daughters is joining forces with Bonnie’s for steamed turnip cakes topped with everything bagel seasoning and smoked salmon; and Kabawa is collaborating with Gertie on a still-mysterious dish that will almost certainly develop a cult following. Other participants include Dhamaka, Sailor, Sushi Noz, Zabar's and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, alongside bakeries, wine bars and specialty coffee pop-ups.
The festival leans just as hard into the “summer picnic party” vibe as the food itself. Programming is set to include storytelling-focused cooking demos hosted by Gail Simmons and Pati Jinich, plus beading workshops from Susan Alexandra, flower crown-making, painting activities from The Jewish Museum and live music from Havurah. Every ticket also comes with a picnic blanket and tote bag.
Tickets cost $36 and are on sale now. Considering last year’s event sold out, procrastinating here may be a bad idea.