May 9, 2008 Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski: Reverence, Yes; Worship, No Mona Charen: Did Israel Drive Out the Arabs 60 Years Ago? JWisdom: Ultimate opportunities by Rabbi Sroy Levitansky May 8, 2008 Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo: Israel at 3,500+ Jonathan Tobin: Still Fighting the Same War Steven Plaut: How ‘nakba’ proves the fiction of a Palestinian Nation JWisdom: Taking Israel for Granted? by Rabbi Mordechai Becher May 7, 2008 Rabbi Hillel Goldberg: Israel is irrelevant to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Dion Nissenbaum: Latest Olmert scandal could derail efforts to force Israel's compromises JWisdom: My Inner Ventriloquist by Sara Yoheved Rigler May 6, 2008 Caroline B. Glick: Anti-Zionism at 60 The Kosher Gourmet By Ethel G. Hofman: In honor of Israel's 60th anniversary, the former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members included the likes of Julia Child, is back with a smorgasbord featuring the taste and essence of the Jewish homeland JWisdom: Holocaust in the Perspective of Faith by Rabbi Nosson Scherman: Jewish Deer in Nazi Headlights May 5, 2008 The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: Busy work Jonathan Mark: Remarkable half-century old Mike Wallace interview with Abba Eban puts current anti-Israel sentiment into perspective May 2, 2008 Rabbi Berel Wein: Rote religiosity Caroline B. Glick: Whitewashing Hamas JWisdom: Parent trap? May 1, 2008 David Zwiebel: Faith communities can learn from Orthodox Jews in stimulating private philanthropy for religious education George Friedman and Peter Zeihan of Stratfor: The Shift Toward an Israeli-Syrian Agreement JWisdom: It's time to wake up by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis April 30, 2008 Jonathan Tobin: Pennsylvania's Democratic slugfest may leave some Jewish votes up for grabs The Kosher Gourmet by Linda Gassenheimer: Fresh herbs, sauteed veal and tiny creamer potatoes makes a light spring dinner JWisdom: How to Build a Mentch by Rabbi Mordechai Becher April 29, 2008 Daniel Pipes: Barack Obama's Muslim Childhood Joel Brinkley: On human rights, the U.N. once again strikes out JWisdom: Holocaust in the Perspective of Faith by Rabbi Nosson Scherman: When The Truth is Unbelievable April 28, 2008 The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: Q: I'm often stuck in the doctor's waiting room for hours! Doesn't he owe me something for my wasted time? Steven Emerson: New U.S. government policy advises agencies to avoid using some of the very same words that make up terror groups' names JWisdom: Why You & I Never Die: A Jewish View of Immortality, Part I by Rabbi David Aaron April 25, 2008 Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg: Schadenfreude isn't kosher for Passover --- or at any other time Rabbi Berel Wein: The secret of how the data bank of memory is transferred from one generation to the next JWisdom: Stepping Up to A Higher Spiritual Life by Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen, Part III April 24, 2008 Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo: The successful failure Fred Burton and Scott Stewart of Stratfor: Placing the terrorist threat to the food supply in perspective JWisdom: Stepping Up to A Higher Spiritual Life by Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen, Part II April 23, 2008 Connie Ogle: An intricate game of a novel Jonathan Tobin: Making Sense of the 'J Street' Jive JWisdom: Stepping Up to A Higher Spiritual Life by Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen April 22, 2008 Jonathan Rosenblum: Why Israel's 'Leaven law' matters Caroline B. Glick: Obama the Savior April 18, 2008 Rabbi Harvey Belovski: Multimedia tool of antiquity Caroline B. Glick: Revealed Truths vs. revealed lies JWisdom: More than miracles by Rabbi Sroy Levitansky April 17, 2008 Rabbi Avi Shafran: Deconstructing Dayeinu Rabbi Elazar Meisels: Is innovation at the Seder a slap at tradition? JWisdom: Discovering Your Divine Mission, Part III by Rabbi David Aaron April 16, 2008 Jonathan Tobin: A Prayer for Sderot's Children Ethel G. Hofman: Sumptuous Seder JWisdom: The Divine is in the details by Rabbi Mordechai Becher April 15, 2008 Rabbi Dovid Zauderer: Let Charlton Heston Go! Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Jimma, tyranny's enabler JWisdom: Relationships: Beyond Mars & Venus, Part IV by Dr. Lisa Aiken April 14, 2008 The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: The Snitching Supervisor Jonathan Tobin: Forget the Fun and Games! JWisdom: Sincerity is Valued Most by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. April 11, 2008 Rabbi David Gutterman: A Mystery in the Middle East Caroline B. Glick: Why Ahmadinejad smiles JWisdom: Elevated illness by Rabbi Sroy Levitansky April 10, 2008 Stratfor Intelligence Briefing by George Friedman: A Mystery in the Middle East The Kosher Gourmet By Steve Petusevsky: The spring elegance of asparagus JWisdom: Holocaust in the Perspective of Faith by Rabbi Nosson Scherman: The Power of Rational Lies April 9, 2008 Michael Feldberg: An all but forgotten Colonial doctor who put his Jewish values before his life Jordan "Gorf" Gorfinkel's "Everything's Relative" gets philosophical JWisdom: Four Rabbis in Bnei Brak by Rabbi Mordechai Becher April 8, 2008 Caroline Glick: Covering for the enemy Elliot B. Gertel: 'House' goes Hasidic JWisdom: Relationships: Beyond Mars & Venus, Part III by Dr. Lisa Aiken April 7, 2008 The Jewish Ethicist by Rabbi Dr. Asher Meir: Q: I have a translating business. Recently someone asked me to translate some financial documents that are clearly forged. Should I agree? Jonathan Rosenblum : Israel is unwittingly helping to fuel the international campaign of delegitimization against it JWisdom: Matzah and leaven as a life philosophy by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. April 4, 2008 Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski: The Mystery of Suffering Caroline B. Glick: Fear of democracy JWisdom: Dirty Jews by Rabbi Sroy Levitansky April 3, 2008 Rabbi Y. Y. Rubinstein: Parents --- and the children who would be them The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Manweiler: Tempted by restaurant dressings? Don't be. Here are recipes that can be made at home, healthier! JWisdom: The importance of retaining a 'slave mentality' by Rabbi Mordechai Becher April 2, 2008 Mitch Albom: Child abuse, disguised as faith Jonathan Tobin: Unreasonable Accommodations JWisdom: Holocaust in the Perspective of Faith with Rabbi Nosson Scherman: Eliminating Jewish Influence over Germans March 22, 2007 J-Rhythms with Avraham Rosenblum: JWR's cutting-edge music program showcasing performers -- singers, song writers, musicians, and bands -- who learn and live the Torah lifestyle (OUR NEWEST IGODCAST !) Oct. 29, 2003 Mortimer B. Zuckerman: Graffiti On History's Walls (MUST-READ!)

Jewish World Review Nov. 16, 2007 / 6 Kislev 5768 Smoke house update By Greg Crosby http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | {Note to my readers: Even though this column concerns restaurants specifically in the LA area, I have decided to post it internationally because the larger point I make in it holds true for anywhere.} It's Thanksgiving and I've got one more reason to give thanks with the following good news. A few weeks ago I wrote about a local Los Angeles treasure called the Smoke House restaurant and bemoaned how a few "new additions" have eroded some of the sophistication and charm of that classic Toluca Lake eatery. Well, I'm extremely happy to report that on a recent visit I noticed the tacky "No Smoking" stickers have been taken off the front doors! I also noticed that the cheesy blowup football ads for beer which were hanging in the bar are now gone! And get this - as I stepped up to the reservation desk I heard a Cole Porter tune playing over the sound system! I have no idea whether or not my column had anything to do with this, but these changes are a very good sign that someone in charge truly cares about keeping the Smoke House a class act. So three cheers and pass the garlic bread all around for the Smoke House and staff! Long may it continue to thrive. Now if I could only get them to put the wooden telephone booths back in …. And one other little thing - if the Smoke House would stock Plymouth Gin they could vie with Musso & Frank (another famous old Hollywood landmark) for the best martini in town. I discovered some time ago that the very best classic 1930's martini is made with Plymouth Gin and Noilly Prat Vermouth at a four to one ratio. And speaking of Musso's, we were there last Saturday night and I ordered the lamb chops, which I hadn't had in a while, and they were terrific. I've been getting the pork chops of late so it was nice to renew my acquaintance with the lamb. By the way, the steaks are wonderful, too. Jane ordered her favorite, the prime rib and wasn't disappointed. And, of course, the classic martinis made with Plymouth gin gets everything started on the right track. It is so important to remember the great old LA restaurants like Musso's and the Smoke House and keep patronizing them. Restaurants have become a trendy thing today; almost like the fashion industry where people expect a new look with each new season. But the restaurant business is tough and depends on repeat cliental to keep it going. My uncle owned and operated a restaurant and I know first hand how hard it can be to build and maintain a good reputation. A restaurant needs strong word of mouth to keep the doors open and as far as its customers are concerned, a dining establishment is only as good as the last meal it served. Making people feel comfortable and keeping them happy by serving delicious, good quality food at reasonable prices by a wait staff that is both pleasant and competent are the keys. Easier said than done, I might add. It is far too easy when planning a night out to want to "try" a new place and forget about the good old standbys. Sure, it's fun once in awhile to go out and try something new, but remember - every time you go to a "new place" you've chosen not to support that great old place you love so much. The fact is, dining out shouldn't be a crap shoot, it should be as close to a guarantee of a successful dining experience as one can get. And what better guarantee than to support a place where you know that you'll feel right at home and get exactly what you want to eat. We've lost so many of our wonderful classic Los Angeles restaurants over the years that we should really make an attempt to enjoy the places we have left while we can. Chasen's, the Brown Derby, Scandia, Tail O' the Cock, Sorrentino's, Cock and Bull, Perino's, Robaires, Don the Beachcomber, Casa D'Amore, Villa Capri, The Rangoon Racquet Club, Emilio's, Jimmy's, L'Ermitage, L'Orangerie, L'Escoffier, Bernard's, and recently the original Trader Vic's are just a few off the top of my head that are now gone. Matteo's in Westwood is still there, but with new owners, new chef, and a new menu it may as well be gone. It's just not the same. The loss of The Brown Derby is ridiculous. I mean how do you close a Hollywood landmark and probably the most famous restaurant in the whole world? Losing the Brown Derby is very sad for those of us who looked forward to their famous Cobb Salad (as only they could make it) served with their Pumpernickel Cheese Toast and topped off with Grapefruit cake for dessert. I'll never taste those again. Sob. Chasen's chili and Hobo Steak were legendary, but the chicken pot pie was one of the best and the Dover sole was so good that it became the favorite of Alfred Hitchcock, a Dover sole aficionado. Scandia made Veal Oskar famous around the world. Perino's was another of Hitchcock's favorite places and had a reputation as one of the finest restaurants in the country. The Cock and Bull was the favorite haunt of Errol Flynn among others. One of the last times I was in there I saw Hollywood columnist James Bacon doing elbow bending at the bar. Bobby Troop and his jazz group used to play at the China Trader in Toluca Lake, while big band great, Johnny Guarnieri played piano at the Tail O' The Cock. Patsy D'Amore's Villa Capri in Hollywood was a Sinatra hangout and Casa D'Amore was known for the first restaurant to introduce pizza to the west coast in 1939. (You can still taste that pizza, by the way, at Patsy's in the Farmer's Market on Fairfax. Patsy D'Amore's daughter runs the stand and the pizza is as great as ever.) The point is, when you go out; don't forget LA's wonderful old classic restaurants. We need to keep what few are left. Musso & Frank, Pacific Dining Car, Tam O'Shanter, Lawry's The Prime Rib, Taix French Restaurant, El Cholo Spanish Café, and the Raymond in Pasadena are all worth keeping. And don't forget the wonderful Smoke House in Toluca Lake. Even without the phone booths, it's a classic. Only Plymouth Gin would make it better. Happy Thanksgiving! Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here. JWR contributor Greg Crosby, former creative head for Walt Disney publications, has written thousands of comics, hundreds of children's books, dozens of essays, and a letter to his congressman. A freelance writer in Southern California, you may contact him by clicking here. Greg Crosby Archives © 2006, Greg Crosby

Mitch Albom  Michael Barone   Dave Barry  Tony Blankley  Andy Borowitz  David Broder  Stratfor Briefing  Mona Charen  Linda Chavez  Ann Coulter  Greg Crosby  Rod Dreher  Larry Elder  Suzanne Fields  John Fund  Frank J. Gaffney  Lloyd Garver  Jonah Goldberg  Michael Goodwin  Julia Gorin  Jonathan Gurwitz  Paul Greenberg  Victor Davis Hanson  Betsy Hart  Nat Hentoff  David Horowitz  Jeff Jacoby  Paul Johnson  Jack Kelly  James Klurfeld  Ed Koch  Ch. Krauthammer  Jonathan Last  Michael Ledeen  John Leo  David Limbaugh  Kathryn Lopez  Rich Lowry  Michelle Malkin  Jackie Mason  The Medicine Men  Dick Morris  Bill O'Reilly  Clarence Page  Kathleen Parker  Dennis Prager  Wesley Pruden  Tom Purcell  Jonathan Rauch  Celia Rivenbark  Robert Robb  Cokie & Steve Roberts  Pat Sajak  Debra J. Saunders  Culture Shlock  Roger Simon  Michael Smerconish  Thomas Sowell  Mark Steyn  John Stossel  Cal Thomas  Jonathan Tobin  Bob Tyrrell  Diana West  Dave Weinbaum  George Will  Walter Williams  Mort Zuckerman  Robert Arial  Chuck Asay  Chip Bok  Dry Bones   Lisa Benson  John Branch  Gary Brookins  John Cole  Paul Combs  J. D. Crowe  John Deering  Brian Duffy  Everything's Relative  Mallard Fillmore  Jake Fuller  Bob Gorrel  Joe Heller  David Hitch  Jerry Holber  Steve Kelley  Jeff Koterba  Dick Locher  Chan Lowe  Ranan R. Lurie  Jimmy Margulies  Rick McKee  Michael Ramirez  Jeff Stahler  Danna Summers  John Trever  Gary Varvel  Kirk Walters  How 2  Know-It-All  Lori Borgman  The Savvy Consumer  Elder matters  Fixit  Dr. Peter Gott  Marybeth Hicks  GET A JOB! by Marty Nemko  Richard Lederer  Tech Maven  Nutrition Myths  Supermarket Shopper  Bruce Williams  How Stuff Works