The Jewish Festival of Lights, better known as Hanukkah, will sync this year with Christmas Eve, beginning at sundown on Dec. 24 and continuing for eight days until sundown on New Year’s Day. Bring on the potato latkes — the fried potato pancake specialty that’s traditionally served during Hanukkah. There are several area restaurants that will spotlight latkes on their menus this season — and these aren’t necessarily your Bubbe’s latkes. You’ll find some creative, modern takes on the classic potato latke.
The Gallows
This lively neighborhood restaurant in Boston’s South End will feature the Reuben Latke as an appetizer on the dinner menu during Hanukkah this year. The rift on the classic Reuben will include a rye potato latke (rye flour is used replacing regular flour), beer-braised corned beef, Russian aioli, dill-pickled cabbage, melted Swiss cheese (optional), and caraway pickled mustard seeds. The Reuben Latke can be served open face or “made into sweet little sliders.’’ www.the gallowsboston.com
Met Back Bay
They’re back! Celebrate Hanukkah at this Bay Back restaurant tucked along the shops and boutiques of Newbury Street with Latkes for Two — a “giant’’ latke that is dusted with brown sugar and served with crème fraîche, and big enough for two to share. The “orated special’’ has run as a holiday appetizer the last two years and will be served again this year at brunch and dinner during the eight days of Hanukkah. www.metbackbay.com
Banyan Bar + Refuge
James Beard-nominated executive chef Phil Tang is at the helm of this contemporary Asian gastropub in Boston’s South End neighborhood. For Hanukkah, it’s all about Grandma Tang’s Latke, a creative spin on the Hanukkah specialty — potato latkes with apple butter hoisin, fried chicken skin, and crème fraîche. Grandma Tang’s Latke will be featured as a Small Plate on the dinner and brunch menus. www.banyan boston.com
Beat Brasserie
This popular Harvard Square restaurant and bar, known for its live music, creative American menu and chill atmosphere, will celebrate Hanukkah again this year with Beat Brasserie Latkes — three potato latkes served alongside house-smoked salmon, red onion, and capers. The special will be available as an appetizer at brunch and dinner during the Hanukkah holiday period. www.beatbrasserie.com
Artistry on the Green
This Lexington restaurant, located at the Inn at Hastings Park, will serve a celebratory Hanukkah dinner, including latkes. The Hanukkah prix fixe menu will feature Potato Latkes with crème fraîche, apple sauce, and smoked trout; matzo ball soup; Keftes de Prasas (Sephardic Leek Patties); Sephardi spiced fish served with Israeli couscous and roasted vegetables; pomegranate-braised lamb shank; and, for dessert, sufganiyot (doughnut with caramel chocolate sauce). Cost: $45 per person; $25 per person additional for wine pairings. The special menu will be served beginning Dec. 24 and will run through Dec. 30. (The restaurant is closed on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, and the menu will not be offered on New Year’s Eve.) www.innathastingspark.com
LAURIE WILSON
