Last night our neighbors (the ones who are sharing our new duplex) had a Bar & Bat Mitzva party for their son and daughter.

It was at the catering hall near our house and started at 7:30PM (ended at 12:00+AM). There were approximately 200 people in attendance and it was a traditional Moroccan/Mizrahi party, not something you would typically see in the US.

The way these parties usually work it that there is a large appetizer buffet table (this one included roast and even a small schwarma). Some time after they cleared the dishes the waiters brought out fish and other light food as the next course. I had a nice serving of Moroccan fish – tasty! Again, some time later, there was the main course. A large bowl-like thing warmed by candles underneath was placed on the table filled with grilled chicken, steaks and lamb chops. I sampled some of each. By this time the camera battery was dead, sadly. There was potatoes and rice and many side dishes along with tons and tons of salads served throughout the evening. For dessert there were molten lava cupcakes (or whatever they are called) and watermelon and cantaloupe slices.

A photographer went around taking pictures of people and surprised us all by coming back later with our pictures cut into magnets to bring home as souvenirs (along with the standard bencher)!

All in all, it was a great party that lasted forever and oh, yeah, I got from the open bar a scotch & soda and a whiskey & coke, always fun! I love open bars!

Till later,

Shem Tov