Seeking to introduce Bay Area diners to the “vast world” of Jewish food, Che Fico chef/co-owner David Nayfeld has transformed his Menlo Park market space into Bubbelah, a restaurant and takeout deli.
Nayfeld, a James Beard semi-finalist and author of the recently published “Dad, What’s for Dinner?” cookbook, is the son of parents who lived in Italy after fleeing from Belarus. At Che Fico in San Francisco and here on the Peninsula, his menu draws inspiration from the cuisine his parents shared with him from their time in Rome’s Jewish ghetto.
With Bubbelah, he expands that vision. “We’re proud of our heritage,” he said on Instagram. “The whole idea is sharing with people that Jewish food is so much more than matzo ball soup and latkes and brisket” — though he loves and will serve all of those.
He and the Back Home Hospitality Group are offering a menu that reflects Jewish specialties and bold flavors from across the Mediterranean, with highlights such as Khachapuri with feta, mozzarella, onions and poppyseed; Veal Pelmeni (dumplings); “Mighty Matzo Ball” soup; and Middle Eastern Chopped Salad with Egyptian dukkah.
Main dishes — think Chicken Schnitzel, Marinated Sturgeon Kebabs, Lamb Shoulder Shawarma — are available a la carte, in a wrap or pita, or on a platter with sides. Whole rotisserie chickens are available daily.
The rotating selection of soups includes Belarus-style Wild Mushroom and Barley, Turkish Tomato and Potato, Jewish Mother’s Chicken, Ashkenazi Split Pea and Minestrone Del Sabato.
Customers will find grab-and-go items in the Bubbelah larder, along with retail products (pasta, sauces) from the Che Fico side.
And the Gelato Window has returned, with both the gelato and waffle cones made fresh daily inhouse. Hazelnut-brownie, vanilla-plum and salted caramel are among the flavors featured during the opening weeks.
Besides sitdown, counter and takeout service, Bubbelah offers catering and office deliveries.
Details: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday at 1300 El Camino Real, Menlo Park The Gelato Window is open for the summer from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. https://bubbelahmpk.com/