Vodka Latke spices up Chanukah for young adults

Above, (L-R) YAD Chairman Tom Stan- ton, Marissa Rosenthal, Gerry Werner, Ilisa Lebowitz, and Jennifer Shechtman enjoyed the evening at the Vodka Latke party. A customized sand sculpture sporting a “Happy Chanukah” and menorah greeted all who walked into the Mangrove Bar and Grille on the evening of Dec. 24th. And why not? It was the scene of Vodka Latke 2011, an annual social event for young Jewish adults, ages 21- 45, hosted by the Tampa Jewish Federation Young Adult Division.

A DJ kept the party rocking and an array of appetizers and drinks kept the partygoers energized.

“Vodka Latke was a huge success and Mangroves did a great job hosting this event for the second year in a row,” noted YAD President Tom Stanton. “We had just under 200 people attend, the weather was perfect and we owe a special thanks to our sponsor, Tampa Bay Matchmakers.”

Held on the 5th night of Chanukah, drink specials included a Chocolate Gelt Martini, Menorah Margarita, Chanukahtini and Dreideltini. The menorah was lit by Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski and chocolate gelt, wrapped in gold foil, adorned the tables.

Pictured at let, L-R) Wayne Feuer, Jaime Fried and Jonathan Koren enjoyed the Vodka Latke party Dec. 24 and into the early morning hours of Dec. 25 at Mangroves Seafood Grille and Bar.

(L-R) Alison Herman, Suzanne Birnbaum and Lee Grossfeld greeted partygoers at the check-in table for the Vodka Latke. The event was put on by the Young Adult Division of the Tampa Jewish Federation.