A Kosher Tree
 
1/1/03 - The Box Tree selects OK Kosher Certification for its supervision
 

Kosher food is constantly crossing new frontiers. In recent years, we have seen the kitchen at the Kremlin koshered in anticipation of a visit by Israeli President Moshe Katzav and kosher food prepared by NASA for launch into outer space along with Jewish astronaut Ilan Ramon.

So if I were to tell you that the newest frontier for kosher food is Manhattan, New York, you would probably laugh. After all, in many ways New York has long been considered the capital of kosher!

But it’s true. The OK Kosher Certification has just made kosher history, right on Manhattan’s Mid Eastside. The name of the restaurant is the Box Tree. Never heard it mentioned in Jewish circles? That’s because until recently it wasn’t kosher.

The Box Tree, located at 250 East 49th street (between 2nd and 3rd avenue) in New York City, is a world-class restaurant. Boasting a quaint, elegant turn of the century feeling and serving traditional French cuisine, the restaurant was designed in the spirit of Bavaria’s King Ludwig.

Historically, the Box Tree has been host to many a celebrity; through its doors have walked the likes of presidents Nixon and Kennedy. When food critics from Forbes magazine visited the Box Tree, they awarded the restaurant their highest rating of five stars!

Today, thanks to two ambitious restaurateurs, Serge Gorge and Rafi Bitton, the Box Tree, a restaurant fit for a king, carries OK Kosher Certification, ensuring that its food conforms to the requirements of the King of Kings.

“My goal is to raise the standard of kosher dining to a whole new level,” says Serge Gorge, an active partner in the Box Tree venture, “to show the world that kosher dining can be a first class experience.”

Indeed, one visit to the Box Tree is enough to show the most discriminating diner, how Mr. Gorge has made good on his lofty goal!