BEWARE OF THIS GROUPON NOT KOSHERQ: Is Shelsky's Smoked Fish Kosher?
A: No, we are not a Kosher facility. Much of the fish we sell comes to us in vacuum sealed package that are indeed certified kosher, but once we open them to slice them, they no longer are.
Q: Why isn't Shelsky's Kosher?
A: There are several reasons we are not kosher. Firstly, many of NYC's appetizing shops are not kosher. Like those, we consider our food to be traditional Jewish cuisine, we are kosher-style. Secondly, we sell chopped liver and sturgeon, and we fry our latkes in schmaltz. We also are open on Shabbat because Saturday is one of our busiest days, and it would be bad business to sell food that is largely enjoyed on Saturdays and Sundays and close on Saturday.
Q: How can you call yourselves a Jewish food store, and not be Kosher.
A: Simple. We are because I say we are. We get this question from time to time, and it always bothers me a bit. Appetizing is Jewish food. Along with Delicatessen, it is the wonderful food brought to New York during the eastern European Jewish immigrant wave of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Eastern European Jews brought this food to New York, and it is Jewish food. Also, there are many many Jews who consider ourselves as such, but do not keep Kosher. If you keep Kosher, and choose not to shop in my store, I am sorry to lose you as a customer, but please do not tell me that our food cannot be considered Jewish food.
