Ok . . . Now this irks me. In the so called "war" between the Hipsters and Hassids I think both sides have serious issues with how to address what they want - they're both to some degree stubborn, intollerant of others, and just plain annoying.
But the hubris of Jason Marcus and his new restaurant, "Traif", is just plain wrong.
I'm not talking about Halacha - though I feel everyone should eat kosher, his pork is no less kosher the McDonald's.
Nor do I think he's actually doing it to get in on the 'war' - he's merely capitalizing on the easy press -
What bother's me is his attempt to sound so guileless:
That he tells the media that he hopes in some small way Traif will serve as
"A meeting ground, a place for dialog. A place to bring the Jewish community together."
Come now - how can yo believe a line of that chrep!?
12 comments:
BS"D
I think he knows EXACTLY what he is doing and saying and that he sadly hopes to get the rebels from Chassidishe Willy, and the "7fat" crowd over to his chozzerei restaurant. Worse yet, he will succeed until the novelty wears off.
Everyone's just trying to make a buck.
I blogged about this weeks ago and it resulted in everyone telling me I was a judgmental a**. So ... yeah.
http://www.kvetchingeditor.com/2010/03/pig-called-traif-seriously.html
Somebody has to go in there and post signs for a Chassidus class on his wall. What a wonderful opportunity to help him understand we are what we eat. Maybe then he think twice about ingesting ground feeders, or the meet of an animal that pretends to be something it is not.
Clearly you haven't a clue as to what the restaurant world is about, and you are equally as clueless as to Marcus's concept. Rather than whining like the disgrace you have made yourself out to be, just walk the other way. This is a very talented guy that is making his dreams come true by setting up shop in a cultural and artistic neighborhood filled with interesting patrons who aren't afraid to experience delicious food. THAT IS WHAT THIS IS GENIUS, FOOD AND PEOPLE, PEOPLE AND FOOD. I am Jewish, born and raised and have the utmost respect for my, OUR religion, so much that I wish uneducated idiots such as yourself could somehow just have a religion of your own. You make us all look like fools when you speak in your naive and bitter tongue. Please crawl back into your dark hole and do what you probably do best, keep to yourself. FYI, this restaurant will continue to thrive and if the controversy exists, as it does, it will only help. You are so yesterday my friend, and for lack of a better word, so pathetic at best!
Dear EastCoastJewishGirl,
Thank you very much! Do you come to this blog often, or were you merely trollng around google for blogs to complain about? If you come here often, you may know that I haven't and a good debate in the comments field in ages - so thanks!
That being said, I have two pieces of advice for you - you may not understand them as of yet, but when you're older, you'll know what I mean . . .
1. Attack the idea, not the person. You may disagree with me. You may be right. However, comments such as: "clearly you haven't a clue as to what the restaurant world is about, and you are equally as clueless as to Marcus's concept."
or "so much that I wish uneducated idiots such as yourself "
or "You make us all look like fools when you speak in your naive and bitter tongue. Please crawl back into your dark hole and do what you probably do best, keep to yourself."
and finally "You are so yesterday my friend, and for lack of a better word, so pathetic at best!"
are entirely uncalled for! (Oh my! In searching for examples of ad hominem attacks, it seems I've just about quoted your entire article! Golly that!)
Instead of insulting me and attacking me with baseless and ignorant statements, why not show me why I am wrong - so that even a boor like me could understand your far more enlightened beliefs.
2. Make sure you've actually read the post before launching your attack. It is very clear from your comment that you never bothered reading my blog post. Perhaps you saw comments on other blogs that bothered you, perhaps you were just having a bad day, but you seem to have at best only skimmed my post.
So let me reiterate:
I get the humor of the name Treif. I'm very familiar with the often biting and ironic nature that Jewish humor can take on at times. I may not always like Roth or Heeb or what . . . but I respect the legitimacy of their styles. So i get the idea behind calling the place Treif.
I also don't have anything against Marcus - I would never call him a bad Jew - that's something he said about himself . . . and I disagree. Do I like the idea of reveling in non-kosher food? No. It is my hope that all Jews make steps towards observance. But it is not in my place to criticize those that are in a different place then me.
My one, and only, complaint is against Jason's remark that his non-kosher restaurant could help unite the Jewish community. It is a ridiculous concept.
You see - my qualms have nothing to do with religion - only false statements as to the nature of the place.
So thanks again, and I hope to hear from you soon!
I have to agree with Eastcoastgirl!
This gentlemen's passion & entrepreneurship is an important part of your community. I am a chef who was raised in yeshivas, a well to do chef & a normal rational person I find the name hilarious. He's not offending anyone. The guy is Jewish and using the Yiddish word for non-kosher foods to describe his restaurant.
On top of that, i believe you have to be very juvenile as to make enough of a deal out of it where you would write about it on a website thus putting the reputation of his new business in limbo. I think what this chef is doing is bringing a sense of humor to what can be often received as a dry religion.
Anonymous: It's obvious you never bothered to read or understand my post and the comments therein.
Please actually read what I wrote first, then come back to me.
As well, please choose a name for commenting purposes!
I appreciate your little hint of blogger attitude. But, really all the guy is saying is there is room for all levels of devoted Jewish people, regardless of the way they perceive the teachings. As a young Jewish business owner in a trendy area sure why couldn't he be some what of a meeting ground. He certainly seems to have his hands more widely open then this blog, wouldn't you say?
I appreciate your concern for my identity. If you would like to get in touch with me I can give you my email. I own a very well to do nightclub & restaurant & the last thing I really need is some silly over the hill Jewish self-important blogger attempting to make up for a lack of a successful personal life by writing mean things about my restaurant & entrepreneurial dreams too!
No offense of course, lol
anon: According to blogger etiquette, it's good form give yourself a name--any name at all--rather than posting anonymously. mottel didn't mean that you should say your real name.
Blogger etiquette also frowns upon speaking condescendingly about blogging in general. Throwing in "no offense, lol" at the end doesn't really cut it.
Regarding the restaurant: It will not become a meeting place, because that's just not how the hasids roll. I'm not saying the hasids are right, I'm just pointing out the fact. Claiming that Traif can serve as meeting place is, as Mottel said, an attempt to appear guileless.
Anon: Cat's out of the bag - you're a faker! Are a yeshivah student or night club owner? In any event, your Yinglish betrays you:
"On top of that, i believe you have to be very juvenile as to make enough of a deal out of it .."
Besides the poor spelling, grammar etc - your use of 'as' is very telling!
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