EST. 2011 BY LIZ RUEVEN
EatWith in Someone Else’s Kitchen

EatWith in Someone Else’s Kitchen

Katy Morris

A chance to break bread in an enthusiastic host’s home kitchen with like-minded eaters…anywhere in the world?  Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or kosher or just tired of eating out in restaurants when you travel? Sign me up!

If you have attended the NY Shuk-hosted dinner, Challah baking class, or Mediterranean Brunch that we mentioned last year, you know what we are talking about.

EatWith, the foodie’s version of Airbnb, officially launched in 2013 in Israel and Spain and has quickly spread across 32 countries. It is a way to connect people from all corners of the globe over a blend of cultures and flavors. From the hosts’ end, it provides professional or aspiring cooks an opportunity to invite foreigners and neighbors alike to dine on their homemade cuisine.

While a lot of people use this service just when traveling (what a great way to experience authentic cuisine in a home kitchen), there are a load of fantastic events right here in the Big Apple that we can take advantage of.

Before we share some cool upcoming events  – we’re talking anything from tea parties and late night snack get-togethers to more traditional dinner and brunches – you must be wondering exactly how it works. It’s pretty simple.

 

photo courtesy of EatWith
photo courtesy of EatWith

Visit EatWith’s  easy-to-use website and search for the location, cuisine (including kosher, vegan & vegetarian), and in some cases, the date you’d like to dine…and you’ll find your choices.

Is safety a concern? We don’t blame you, but we are pretty impressed at the measures they go to ensure that trust and safety is not an issue (that is, insurance and extensive vetting), and that you can whole-heartedly enjoy your experience without qualms. Fees, which are paid directly to the host,  range from $30-$50, depending on the event.

And if you would rather host while showing off your culinary skills to interesting like-minded folks,  check out that information by clicking here.

 

photo courtesy of EatWith
photo courtesy of EatWith

Check out these facts:

 

  • EatWith currently has over 450 hosts in 32 countries around the world.
  • Every meal prepared at an EatWith event is home-cooked from scratch using fresh, local ingredients.
  • 60% of EatWith guests actually stay in contact with their hosts and/or fellow guests after an event.

 

We’ve scoured the EatWith site to chose these events that we believe you’ll be interested in (NYC). The best part is that EatWith has generously given Kosher Like Me readers a 25% discount off NY events through the end of June. Event must be purchase by May 31 for discount to be valid.  Simple reference nymay1 when booking your date.

 

Ajito Tasting in Brooklyn: This BYOB event offers a Japanese-themed tasting menu, and dishes are made with organic vegetables straight from the host’s garden. Just be sure to let them know you are vegetarian when reserving your spot and clarify if you are gluten-free, as both are welcome options.

 

  • Type: Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten Free Upon Request
  • Date: Saturday, May 24th, 2014
  • Time: 8PM
  • Place: Williamsburg
  • Price $48

 

 

If you attend the Izakaya Night: Japanese Pub Food event, you will enjoy a casual night of tapas-style vegetarian Japanese eats like Oshitashi, Kimpira, and radish salad, all made with seasonal vegetables. Heads up, this event is BYOB!

 

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Date: Friday, June 13th, 2014
  • Time: 8PM
  • Place: Williamsburg
  • Price: $42

 

 

Time to change up your routine Shabbat dinner…Shabbat Table Astoria: Spring Edition! is the perfect answer. Hosts Sarit & Ari invite you to their home on Fridays to for a family-style Greek-themed Shabbat dinner to celebrate the fresh flavors of Spring. They will have some bottles of wine on hand, but feel free to bring your own!

 

  • Type: Kosher
  • Date: Friday, June 6th, 2014
  • Time: 7:30PM
  • Place: Astoria
  • Price: $40

 

 

Here’s another great one: Delancy Street Comes to Brooklyn — Brunch. The duo host whip up reinvented Eastern-European-Jewish inspired dishes, and for this brunch, you’ll get to taste their pickled veggies & fish, Jewish salad, schneiken, and sweet blintzes.

 

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Date: Up to you! Like many of the events on EatWith, you can request a date and the host will get back to you within 24 hours if it’s available.
  • Place: Brooklyn
  • Price: $40

 

photo courtesy of EatWith
photo courtesy of EatWith

Check the EatWith website often to see what’s been added. And be sure to specify your dietary requirements as some hosts state that they are willing and able to accommodate. Check with contact on their site to verify level of kosher observance if you are considering a kosher event.

I would love to hear from readers about what you think about this concept or better yet, if you share in an EatWith meal.   Leave comments below or click LIKE on Kosher Like Me’s facebook page and leave photos and comments there.

 

 

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