For Remi Attia, Shabbat was never just about the food; it was about the people, the stories, and the traditions that came alive each Friday night at her grandparents’ home.
From an early age, she remembers being dropped off in Los Angeles on Friday afternoons, or picked up by her grandmother Judie, to cook together before candle-lighting. In the kitchen, they prepared the dishes that would anchor the evening. Her grandfather Nathan, a wine writer for the Los Angeles Times, inspired Remi’s passion for hospitality and the art of dining. Always ready with a glass in hand, he became their loyal taste tester, savoring every creation and showing her that Shabbat was more than just a meal or a beautifully set table; it was about bringing people together, creating warmth, and sparking conversations that lingered long after the candles were lit.
A Table for 20, A Feast of Cultures
Shabbat dinner at their house was an abundant gathering: sometimes 20 or more guests, seated around a table draped in vibrant linens Judie collected on trips to Italy. Ceramic bowls overflowed with seasonal salads and roasted vegetables. Multiple glasses stood ready for Nathan’s wine pairings.
The menu reflected the family’s migration story from Alexandria, Egypt to Sicily, Italy, and eventually California. Roasted lamb and rigatoni with butternut squash sauce might sit alongside salads with fresh garden herbs, or arugula topped with pomegranate seeds. Egyptian recipes lived on too; grape leaves stuffed with lamb, dried apricots, and pine nuts, or a sweet date-based charoset for Passover.
“It wasn’t your typical Shabbat table,” Remi reflects. “But it was full of color, flavor, and our family’s history.”
Shy Child, Confident Cook
For Remi, her grandmother’s kitchen was also a place of transformation. Cooking side-by-side with her grandmother gave her confidence, helping her find her voice in big family gatherings.
“Showing people love and sharing stories through food was how I was able to find my voice, and learn about her family’s history,” she says.
Carrying It Forward
Now, with her grandparents’ legacy woven into every recipe and ritual, Remi is carrying it forward with her new business. One year ago, she launched The Nosh Table, a dinnerware and Judaica line inspired by her grandmother’s playful, colorful, and heritage-rich approach to Jewish celebration.
“Holidays should feel vibrant, lively, full of energy; exactly the way my grandmother celebrated,” she shares.
Shabbanukkah Inspo: Dress Up Your Table + Your Latkes
The Nosh Table creations remind us that Jewish holidays are meant to be vibrant, playful, and delicious. Here are a few ways to bring that spirit to your own Shabbanukkah table this year:
- Dress Up Your Latkes: Go beyond sour cream and applesauce — set out toppings like crème fraîche, caviar, fresh dill, and chives for a build-your-own nosh. Want a twist? Try zucchini or eggplant latkes for an Italian-inspired flavor.
- Festive Swirl Platter: Fill the Nosh Table Swirl Platter with colorful Hanukkah candies and dreidels for a centerpiece that sparks joy (and snacking).
- Wipe Up Schmutz in Style: Hanukkah can be messy, so why not laugh about it? Navy napkins with cheeky sayings turn cleanup into a conversation starter.
- Crispy Phyllo Bites: Keep guests happy while you’re still cooking — bake frozen phyllo cups filled with feta, then top with pomegranate seeds, mint, and a drizzle of honey.
- Zhuzh Up Whipped Ricotta Dip: A crowd-pleasing nosh! Whip ricotta with cream, drizzle olive oil, and top with herbs or seasonal veggies. Serve with sourdough or bagel chips for that perfect crunch.
At OneTable, we love seeing how Shabbat and holidays evolve at every table. Whether rooted in family heritage like Remi’s or infused with fresh, modern touches, every Friday night is an opportunity to gather, nourish, and celebrate.
We’re celebrating Shabbanukkah with an exclusive social media giveaway collaboration— follow us both on Instagram (@thenoshtable and @onetableshabbat) to stay tuned for all the details there.