Wine and dine minus the swine

T-minus six months and counting before the 27th Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival comes to town, but there’s no time like the present to start the fundraising matzo ball rolling.

SDJFF launches its Underwriter Kickoff Party on Sunday, August 21 with the San Diego premiere of Roger Sherman’s delectable documentary, In Search of Israeli Cuisine.

There’s more to Israeli bites than falafel and hummus, let alone a hot corned beef sandwich and a bowl of kreplach soup. What with all the political unrest in their region of the globe, who knew that a major culinary revolution was currently taking place in Israel? “People laughed when I told them Israel has one of the most dynamic food cultures in the world,” says Sherman.

Joining Sherman on his gastronomical safari is Michael Solomonov, chef and co-owner of Zahav, “a modern eatery that brings the authentic flavors of Israel’s cultural heritage to Philadelphia,” say the promoters. “Together they crisscross Israel markets and restaurants seasoning the festivities with insights on traditions, ingredients, origins, and the future of Israeli cuisine.”

Sherman’s films have won an Emmy, a Peabody, and a James Beard Award in addition to an Academy Award nomination for the documentary short, The Garden of Eden.

The kickoff party and screening will take place in the David and Dorothea Garfield Theater, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. While nothing compares to my mom’s recipe for gedempte fleisch — served on a bed of egg noodles and kasha — this is one appetizing invitation you don’t want to pass up. Tickets are $13.75 for members, $15.75 for non-members. For more information, visit www.sdjff.org.