Liberation from slavery, the “passing over” of 
the forces of destruction, the exodus of forty days and nights. ChezHelvetica commemorated these events from the 13th century BCE with a Passover Seder honoring this historic occasion, as well as its parallels to life now. The Four Questions usually asked at this ceremony have compounded, with questions about virtually everything going on in today’s world. The meal served and heirloom table settings also honored ancient traditions and cultures while adding fresh touches. First served: Delicious homemade Wise Sons Chicken Soup and Matzo Balls 
and Apple-Walnut Charoset with Matzot. Next course – a Kuku Sabaszi or Baked Persian Omelet filled with a spectacular burst of fresh herbs and spices, accompanied by dollops of Greek Yogurt and a Mediterranean Olive medley.
Our main course showcased succulent Rotisserie Chicken with roasted Honey Gold Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts. After this rich feast, the simple dessert consisted of Strawberries dipped into Sour Cream and Brown Sugar. Dayenu? Enough? Not yet! The next day, which was the first day of Passover, we enjoyed more of the Persian Omelet. On the second day, Matzah Brei! May all our Questions be answered, may Everyone be Healthy and Free!
Shape things the way you want! While these words of wisdom apply to life in general, ChezHelvetica applies this concept to culinary creations. Fortunately, a co-chef with experience in 
Never before has The Festival of Lights seemed more important or necessary. ChezHelvetica celebrated Chanukah amidst 
some of the worst crises of health and democracy in our history with humor and a tight grip on the beauty and tradition of this holiday. Note the Toilet Paper Menorah, a nod to Covid, towering over a childhood brass menorah holding the first night’s candle. Lox from The House of Bagels and Chives topped crispy Latkes, an excellent 
With thoughts of the Maccabees and their victory over oppression and a Signature Reserve Russian River Chardonnay, happiness embraced our dinner. Jewish Stars decorated the table – on a candle from dear neighbors, a blue and white ceramic box from sister Abby and a delicious blue and white frosted cookie. This Butter Cookie from the HOB Bakery and Loacker Hazelnut Quadratini bestowed the concluding sweetness on our celebration. As we commemorate the rededication (of the second temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE) and miracle of the oil that lasted eight days, may miracles abound for us all! A shot in the arm?!
At ChezHelvetica, this meant Mezze, small dishes of Middle Eastern heritage to share. Our feast started with Fuji Apple slices and the sweetest Honey from Tierra Del Cielo Bee Farm in Santa Margarita (gift from sister Abby), then progressed to savory 
This special night ended with a delicious Apple Tart (home made by the Shabbos Goy) à la mode. Let all our futures be special, filled with hope!
Rosh Hashanah at ChezHelvetica braided the New Year, culinary renewals and the heart-breaking loss of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Jewish tradition calls one who dies at this auspicious time a tzadik, or righteous person. RBG’s tireless fight for the rights of all people will forever imprint our history. Hopefully, Ruth also would have delighted in the “
OZY Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi added a blessed touch. Fuji Apple slices with Honey started this evening’s special meal and then came full circle with a dessert of Apple Pie (made by the Shabbos Goy), topped with Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. The second night featured beautiful linens from Israel (gift from sister Abby) and a Caprese Salad of Heirloom Tomato, baked Cod, strips of the Kugel and Basil Chiffonade atop Organic Spinach and Kalamata Olives. Let RBG’s resilience, optimism and pursuit of justice inspire and motivate us all!
Red, white and blue or rainbow colors, black and sparkles? With mixed emotions at this troubling time in our history, 
ChezHelvetica presented the most uplifting table possible with William Tabar‘s 
Thank you to Rachel Ray for the simple instruction to brush the cobs with oil and season with salt. A tangy 
The Question Now: Why is this seder different from all other seders? In this surreal time, commemorating our ancestors release from bondage has been supplanted by family and friends ordered to stay in place – in self-isolation. ChezHelvetica honored both by first conversing with nuclear relatives and old friends virtually, then launching into a very authentic, traditional dinner atop beautiful new white, blue and silver Lamé linen placemats from Jerusalem (gifts from sister Abby).
Soup.
Delicious 
Surreal times call for inspiration and imagination. At ChezHelvetica, this meant diving deep into cupboards and sacks of produce and staples to create a heartwarming dinner. Behold mouthwatering 
Shimmering place cards adorned with sea shells and trinkets (created by sister Abby) welcomed family and friends to ChezHelvetica’s milestone birthday celebration. Mom’s 90th!
Our kaleidoscope of sea world fantasy began with delicious Jumbo Shrimp Cocktails – the Shrimp from Antonelli’s, the pungent Cocktail Sauce home made with Ketchup, Horseradish, Worcestershire Sauce and Lemon Juice. Two savory 
A wonderful Field Greens Salad with Apricot Dressing, made by friend Joan, accompanied. Then, a legendary aquatic creature appeared! An image of our incredible Mother (Beverly Lassen) from the Carmel Valley Athletic Club pool transformed into a Mermaid by the “Black Magic” of Sweet Things Bakery. With Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay in hand, we toasted this inspirational woman and sang Happy Birthday!!!🎶🎶
New beginnings at ChezHelvetica! This day started with delicious deli at Toy Boats on Clement Street, fueling our search for the perfect locally sourced fresh fish to star in a “Sheet-Pan Harissa, Fish with Potatoes and Citrus” recipe, adapted from the New York Times.
Our discovery at last – Monkfish from the Seafood Center. The fish roasted in Stonehouse Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Ginger, Garlic, Moroccan Harissa Spice and juicy Tangerines and Oranges from Tory Farms and Meyer Lemons from my sister’s tree. Organic Green Beans, Tomatoes and Red Onion from Trader Joe’s with Brussel Sprouts and Red Potatoes accompanied. Delectable! We toasted the special night with Zonin Prosecco and Reed’s Ginger Beer. A gift of Gudrun Fine Belgian Chocolates concluded this wonderful New Year’s Eve, the last night of 2019. The first chapter of the Roaring 20’s, a Holy Roller on Ocean Beach – a huge cylinder stamped with symbols of many religions leaving marks in the sand, ushering in spirituality, creativity and peace for the new decade! Click to view short iMovie 
