WORKING SPACE

Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

BY: KAYLA GOLDSTEIN

As the weather gets warmer and social life starts up again, the outdoors are getting a lot of love with barbecues and cozy dinners with friends, not to mention the occasional party.

Having a well-designed outdoor space really adds to the environment and vibe of the gathering, and an outdoor cooking space tops it off to perfection. Here are 10 things to keep in mind when upgrading your outdoor kitchen this year.

1. Size and Location:

It’s crucial to make sure the kitchen is in a functional space that won’t block the flow of an indoor-outdoor gathering. You want it to be close enough to the real kitchen that walking back and forth is not exhausting. It should also be close enough to the seating area so that whoever is cooking is not excluded from the festivities. Size matters as well, because where you place the kitchen will determine how big it can be — we don’t want to overpower a space or underwhelm it. Keep these factors in mind when deciding where the kitchen should go and how big it should be. This will help you make sure it complements the yard and event rather than complicates it.

2. Prepping Space:

Once you’ve figured out the size and location and are designing the kitchen itself, make sure it has the key factors that make an outdoor kitchen amazing. The most important and yet most overlooked is prepping space.

Many assume they would just prepare inside and bring the food out to cook, however this creates extra running around and less socializing. Make sure to create a clear counter space you can prep on so that you can stay with your guests in the sunshine.

3. Seating Space:

Make sure to have an area where guests can lounge and an area where guests can eat. This can be one combined space or two separate areas, but either way it should be easily accessible and compliment the kitchen. Good quality, comfortable furniture that adds to the feeling of the space can completely change the mood of a dinner party. Make sure this space is close enough to the kitchen so that no one is isolated, but far enough that smoke doesn’t go in people's eyes.

4. Storage:

When designing the kitchen, think about what you are going to be storing outside. Some like to keep all of their grilling tools outside, some like to keep cutlery and dishes on hand — it’s up to you and your personal tastes. Write down a list of all the items that you are going to be storing outside and factor it in when creating the floor plan

and selecting cabinets and drawers, so you can make sure you have space to keep everything organized. When selecting those items, make sure you choose materials that will endure whatever climate you live in.

5. Appliances:

Another important factor when designing a kitchen is appliances. Once again, you want to make a list of everything you will be using out there, and then find places for them in your kitchen. This might include a smoker, a cooler, a sink, or anything else that you might want to use outside while cooking or hosting.

6. Lighting:

This can be an often overlooked part of the outdoor kitchen. There are a few different kinds of lighting going on, and we want to make sure to hit all of them. The first one is for the daytime — the sun can be a killer to both the food and the chef, so make sure to have adequate shade (and make it pretty, nothing striped!). Next, you have nighttime lighting. This includes party lights, mood lights, and task lights. To brighten up the whole yard, make sure to have some amazingly powerful spots to turn on for events. For cozier dinners where that kind of brightness would be too much, you can get some string lights — just make sure they actually give off lumens. Task lights should ensure that the actual cooking space is properly lit up so that you can see the food and cook it correctly. This can be done with gooseneck lamps, spot lights, or strong wall lights. This is why it’s important to build your kitchen near an electric source to power the lights you’ll need.

7. Climate:

The general climate in your area really impacts the design of the kitchen and the materials you’ll use, but even the climate in your specific backyard has an effect. There will be spots in your backyard that are shadier, windier, or sunnier that need to be taken into account. Make sure you are not in a wind tunnel, or if you are, create some blockages with the kitchen to reduce the wind. You want to have options for both sun and shade, whether that is with trees or with a shade you put up. In addition, while most people may think of it as a summertime kitchen, it will still be out in the elements throughout the winter and needs to survive them. Keep all these different factors in mind when selecting location, shape, and material for the kitchen.

8. Privacy:

This is an important factor in deciding where and how to place the kitchen. You do not necessarily want to be in full view of all the neighbors. A fence or some trees can give you privacy, as well as the other side of the house. Either way, make sure that no one is staring at you and that you are not bothering anyone so you can fully enjoy your space.

9. Budget:

The least exciting part of all — budgets are not fun to think about, but even less fun not to think about and to be surprised. I suggest writing up a budget by looking at your finances and seeing how much you can realistically spend, then writing down the number you would like to spend. Next, write down everything you will need to spend money on, including pavers, cabinets, appliances, shade, chairs, tables, decor, greenery, and most importantly, labor. Gather the prices for everything you’ll need, without making any purchases or commitments. Add it all up and refer back to what you could and would like to spend. Using this information, see if you can fit what you need into your budget. If there’s anything you need to trim down, do it now so you have no surprises. You never know — you might be able to do more than you think.

10. Get Creative with Space:

Lastly, here are some ideas if you feel like your space is too small. There are some design tricks that can help expand your space and make it feel bigger. Try placing a centerpiece (like a fire pit) a bit away from the kitchen space and put chairs around it, which will make the entire space have larger boundaries and therefore feel bigger. Another trick is to buy loose pavers and add them to the patio you already have. You also can put down a path extending into the yard and put furniture on either side of it, which is cheaper than putting down more patio. Another option is to put lighting at the edge of the boundary, and move that boundary to make the space feel larger. You can also extend the shade to make the space feel cohesive.

All in all, an outdoor kitchen can be an amazing entertainment venue, as well as a great relaxing space. Done right, it can really be your spot. Just make sure to keep the important parts in mind before you get to work, and work with a trustworthy contractor. If you need any help with design

or have any questions, feel free to reach out at kayla@kaylallc.com.

Kayla Goldstein is a contributing editor for Mochers Magazine and an Interior Designer at Kayla LLC. Follow her on instagram @Kayla_LLC

Kiddush Kingsfor

Some of the best items for any good kiddush

BY: JEREMY URBACH

Photo courtesy of Mushki Brichta Photo courtesy of The Rebbe’s Choice

Gefilte Fish

Gefilte fish is a staple item at any good kiddush. It’s a classic, but no less one of the greats. The sweet and savory fish melts perfectly in your mouth, and the carrot on top makes this food a visual masterpiece. I recommend the classic Manischewitz gefilte fish in gelled broth, but to be honest, any gefilte fish product will get the job done.

Kichel

The kichel at your kiddush club is extremely important. You can enjoy it plain, or with a variety of toppings like hummus, herring, babaganoush, or matbucha. A good kichel should have enough flavor to enjoy plain, but subtle enough that it doesn't overwhelm its accompaniments. You can never go wrong with Manischewitz Tam Tams. For a healthier option, try The Rebbe’s Choice new whole wheat kichel.

Lox

What can be said about lox? There is truly nothing better. The amazing smoky taste and unique texture provides the foundation for an amazing kiddush. You can enjoy lox plain, on a piece of kichel, or even on a bagel with cream cheese.

Cholent

Cholent is one of the best Shabbos foods of all time. I recommend making or buying cholent in the cooler months because nothing warms up the body like a nice bowl of cholent. Get a slow cooker pot, throw in some beef, sweet potato, onion, kishke, and barley, and let it cook overnight. Don’t bother with beans; the cholent will be better without them. I like to eat my cholent with some fresh challah.

Herring

No kiddush club would be complete without herring. Nowadays, the herring market has completely exploded to the point where there are dozens of herring flavors readily accessible at the supermarket. Herring ranges from creamy schmaltz to the more fishy and savory Matjes herring. My personal favorite is Everything Bagel Spice herring and lox from The Rebbe’s Choice. Use code GISHMAK for 10% off your entire order from rebbeschoice.com.

Photo courtesy of Goldbelly

Potato Kugel

Potato Kugel is one of the most delicious foods that Yiddishkeit has to offer. Kugel is an extremely traditional Jewish food with variations including potato, noodle, and Yerushalmi. Potato kugel is without a doubt the best type of kugel — if anyone tells you otherwise they are lying! Keep in mind that kugel is very dense, so you won’t need to a lot to fill you up. You can buy kugels in kosher supermarkets, but the best kugels are homemade. Consult your local rebbetzin for a recipe. Photo courtesy of Whisky Galore

Hummus

Hummus is one of the most important foods in our culture, enjoyed by Jews and non-Jews alike. The best hummus is homemade, but you can easily buy it from the grocery store as well. Store bought hummus won’t taste much like authentic Middle Eastern hummus, but it is still fabulous with some challah or kichel.

Mashke

No Kiddush club can be perfect without mashke. Whether it’s whiskey, vodka, or Manischewitz wine, anything with alcohol can help elevate your fabrengen to the next level. Whiskey pairs well with herring and is always my top choice.

Jeremy Urbach is a contributor for Mochers Magazine.

Desserts ARE IN

BY: SRULY MEYER

Today I wanted to share with you the easiest and most beautiful dessert that is also super simple to make.

Fill the bottom third with yogurt — I use Greek, but you can also use fro-yo! Add blueberries and chopped strawberries in the glass, followed by another layer of yogurt. Throw a few more berries on top. Sprinkle some crushed Lotus cookies, or for a healthier option, use granola. Chill and serve! You can even add fun toppings like these white chocolate wafer sticks.

What do you think about this bright, healthy, and easy-to-make summer dessert!?

raspberry jam oat bars

• 1 cup flour • 1 cup rolled oats • 3/4 cup light brown sugar • 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt • 3/4 cup chopped, lightly toasted pecans • 1 stick (4 ounces) cold butter, cubed • 1 large egg • 1 cup raspberry jam

• Preheat oven to 350°F. • Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and pecans. Add butter and egg and mix well. • Press dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes. • Let cool, then cut in half. Spread jam over one half, then place the other half on top and cut into squares. • Take it up a notch: Instead of using store bought jam, try making your own — it’s surprisingly easy!

Mix 1 large container of fresh raspberries with 1 cup of brown sugar in a small saucepan and cook over high heat, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for another 10 minutes. Let cool, then chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to set. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

PLACES Jersey Shore GETAWAY

BY: MOSHE NEY

It’s been a crazy year, and we’re all looking forward to the time ahead, with the pandemic in the rearview mirror.

The spring and summer of 2021 will see many return to travel, and I think that you are no exception. You’ve had enough of quarantine and are more than ready to explore new horizons and get a new change of scenery.

Wait! Don’t want to be extravagant but still do it in class? Want to live it up without having to go the distance? Ok, I got you.

Let me introduce you to the wonderful and spectacular Jersey Shore. Located not too far from Lakewood, Jackson, and Toms River, some of these beach towns are tailor made for your oneto-two-day excursion or simply just for your day off. It’s bound to make some pretty cool memories down the road. So sit back and relax as we serenade you to sleep with the beautiful songs of the Jersey Shore.

Shore

Belmar

I know some of you are familiar with this one. Belmar, NJ is bound to strike a chord with many. Until recently, Belmar was home to a very successful Yeshiva for boys mostly from Lakewood and the surrounding areas. Although the Yeshiva is no longer in existence, Belmar still has that unique flavor to savor for a spur of the moment getaway with friends or alone. Check it out and feel refreshed when you’re done.

Attractions

Jersey Shore Whale Watching Tours

Located on the shore of Shark River, opposite the Shark River Hills neighborhood across the river, this is the perfect exciting activity for those who want to get out on the water and watch the local humpback whales and dolphins leap out of the water and give everyone some natural wildlife entertainment. Enjoy the sea breeze as you travel along the Jersey Shore from Belmar to Sandy Hook (or wherever else on the Jersey Shore). Trips are typically 1 ½ to 3 hours. Check the website or call for more details.

(732) 451-6003 jerseyshorewhalewatchingtour.com

Maclearie Park

Located just a few blocks over from the whale watching, Maclearie Park has been described as an easygoing riverside park with tennis courts, a children's playground, and picnic area with grills. Its location directly next to Shark River makes it quite the ideal place for a quiet place to chill with your friends over a good barbecue or let your energy out with a good game of tennis. Check out the beautiful waterfront location at

905 NJ-35, Belmar, NJ 07719.

The Endless SUP Company

With the right weather and the right company, why not treat yourselves to a stand-up paddle boating extravaganza? Whether you want to do this before or after your BBQ at Maclearie Park, the choice is totally yours. Have some fun in the water with your family or friends as you paddle around the Shark River shores. Think of it as a small Venetian experience, just in New Jersey and with more room to move. This trip is one you won’t regret. Located at the L-street Beach, Belmar NJ 07719. (848) 404-9033

endlesssupcompany@gmail.com endlessbelmar.com

(Note: Viewer discretion is advised when visiting the websites. Make sure your computer has proper image filtering, or simply call or send an email instead.)

Avon-by-the-Star

Done with Belmar? Oh, but of course you aren’t! But there’s so more to see beyond its borders, and you don’t even have to go that much further. Just over the Belmar Bridge, there’s a tiny beach town called Avon-By-The-Sea. And, oh, by the sea it is! Head on over to the boardwalk on Ocean Ave. and be awed by the amazing sights of the brilliant and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean.

When I say this place is tiny, I mean it. This cute little beach town covers an area only a little more than a half a square mile! Don’t let that turn you off. It’s picturesque with very neatly maintained beach homes and a beautiful shoreline.

While there isn’t much here in the form of attractions, the boardwalk is definitely a must if you want to enjoy the fresh breeze from the sea. Otherwise, just take a stroll down Main St. and browse the many stores that line either side.

Bradley Beach

Bordering Avon-By-The-Sea by merely blocks, Bradley Beach is extra special because it actually has—wait for it!—not one, but two shuls in the neighborhood. Although seasonal, these shuls welcome guests to come into their humble walls to join them for Shabbos and sometimes during the week as well. Unfortunately, some of the local attractions in Bradley Beach are temporarily closed (perhaps due to COVID), but that definitely should not stop you from enjoying the beach and other local scenery in the area.

Moshe Ney is a senior writer for Mochers Magazine.

M Shuls

Congregation Agudath Achim of Bradley Beach:

It’s not often that you find a beach town with a shul nearby (Atlantic City has one near it as well; that’s for another time). Agudath Achim is quite the homey out-of-town shul atmosphere that you want to feel when you're away on vacation.

When my son was born on Shemini Atzeres a number of years ago in Jersey Shore Medical Center, I walked 45 minutes to daven there, and boy am I glad that did. Although open only seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, Agudath Achim has enough room for all different stripes and colors of Yiddishkeit to come and spend a Shabbos in their warm atmosphere. The shul is Modern Orthodox, but whether you’re Yeshivish, Chassidish, Modern, if you’re a Jew with a beating Jewish heart, Agudath Achim welcomes you with open arms. It’s also right near the water so you can enjoy a nice walk on the boardwalk on Shabbos afternoon.

301 McCabe Ave., Bradley Beach, NJ 07720 (732) 774-2495 www.bradleybeachshul.org

Magen David Congregation of Bradley Beach:

If you’re a Sephardi and want a Sephardic beit knesset while on vacation, not to worry. Magen David is also here for all of your tefillot needs. You can literally see it from the boardwalk so you’re never too far away! Make sure to call to ensure that they are open and running for the summer season.

101 5th Ave., Bradley Beach, NJ 07720 (732) 988-1200

This is just a little taste of what the Jersey Shore has to offer. I’m sure you can only imagine what else lies beyond. So what are you waiting for?