Battle Jewtalian Pits Nonna Against Bubbe

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Something tells us Battle Jewtalian's matzo bri won't start out looking quite as humble as this.

​Matzo bri, manicotti, and artisan cocktails will attempt to coexist on the same dinner table at the upcoming Battle Jewtalian on the rooftop terrace at the Tenderloin's Cova Hotel, presented by food event promoter Dishcrawl and caterer Jersey Tomatoes.

Chefs Christian Noto and Sam Leonard, formerly of Liberty Cafe, will engage in the eight-course clash (four dishes each), with Noco preparing Italian specialties from his Jersey youth and Leonard riffing on his grandmother's Jewish classics. Guests will vote for their favorites. Noto plans to prepare his manicotti in the traditional style, stuffed with creamy ricotta and baked in pork ragu, alongside veal braciole rolled in herbs and Parmesan. Leonard's spin on matzo bri (a casserole of matzo, crispy egg, wild mushrooms, and greens topped with a six-minute egg diners break at the table) doesn't sound like anything our bubbe ever made.

BBC Elite will be on hand with minted cucumber gimlets and other cocktails and wines. Most fascinating of all might be the presence of Scarlet Sutra, Dishcrawl founder Tracy Lee's alter ego. Lee describes Sutra as a "food mistress" who encourages diners to "make love to their food."

Jews, Italians, a food mistress, and lots of alcohol? Sounds like a pitch for a Food Network late-night reality series.

Battle Jewtalian
When: Sat., Oct. 9, 5-10 p.m.
Where: Cova Hotel, 655 Ellis (at Larkin)
Cost: $105
Tickets available through EventBrite