Holiday Meals Keep Spirits Bright

It’s that time of year again, with Thanksgiving behind us and the holiday season officially in full swing. Although most of us will have far fewer guests around the table this year, people are adapting and finding safe ways to enjoy their downsized holiday meals.  

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or any other seasonal tradition, great food is the centerpiece that brings everyone together. And while it’s admirable to do all the cooking yourself, it indeed is a tremendous amount of work. If you want to really enjoy your guests and the bountiful meal you serve, then ordering your holiday meals from TooJay’s Deli is the way to go. You’ll get the double benefit of delicious holiday favorites with little or no cooking required. With that decision made, you can relax and have fun planning everything else that goes into a memorable holiday celebration. The following tips can help:

2020 Holiday Meal Basics

If you haven’t already done so, determine how many guests you can invite, based on the space you’ll need for social distancing. Consider hosting your holiday celebration outside in the backyard or on a balcony if space permits. The primary concern is that everyone feels comfortable with your plan. If your family and friends aren’t visiting for the holidays this year, plan a ZOOM call or Facetime, the next best thing to being here.

Holiday Meals of any size

The holidays may not be traditional this year. However, the foods still can be, starting with TooJay’s famous Nova Latkes for Hanukah and the restaurant’s tempting selection of traditional Christmas dinners. Whether you’ll be dining alone or with a small group, it’s easy to have TooJay’s do the cooking for your holiday meal. Narrow your choices, create a concise menu based on what your guests like best, and consider whether any children will be there and other food preferences.

TooJay’s Deli offers traditional holiday catering packages featuring a variety of popular sides and famously decadent desserts. Orders must be placed in advance, and contactless curbside pickup is available.

Buffet, plated, or family-style?

Should you serve the meal buffet, plated, or family-style this year? The answer depends on the number of guests, the amount of space you have, and how comfortable your guests will be. It’s all about social distancing this year, so plated meals are likely to be the popular choice. If any of your guests have offered to help, consider designating a spot in the kitchen for filling and re-filling people’s plates, so only one person needs to handle the serving utensils.

Festive Beverages

If you’re hunting for the best selection of holiday beverages,consider a festive iced tea or lemonade made with bright, flavorful fruits, such as TooJay’s Peach Tea or Strawberry Lemonade. Make an alcohol-free version for the kids and add some sparkling wine for the grown-up batch. It just might become a family tradition! Beyond your signature beverage, stick to the basics: red and white wine, beer, plain and bubbly water, juice for the kids, and coffee and tea for dessert.

Holiday Meals and Table Décor

A table setting is as much of an art as cooking. A touch of nostalgia from your family’s holiday memorabilia mixed with new decorations you’ve collected along the way are part of the season’s magic and sure to keep your spirits bright. Your table setting doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or challenging to create; it just needs to be a labor of love.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t overschedule, overindulge, or overspend. Take the time to stop and smell the roses, or more likely, the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven! Think about what the holiday season means to you. Rather than worrying about cooking the “perfect” holiday dinner, let TooJay’s Deli do the cooking so you can enjoy the celebration you’ve planned.

Check out our Catering Video to learn more about contactless catering delivery!  

Happy holidays to you all from the TooJay’s Team!

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Charcuterie: Get on the Board!

The Perfect At-Home Activity

Calling all at-home epicureans! Most of us are spending much more time at home than ever before, there’s never been a better time to showcase your creative kitchen skills with the widespread phenomenon known as the charcuterie board.

If you’re a foodie with a passion for exciting combinations of meats, cheeses, colorful fruits, and vegetables served with crunchy artisanal bread, you’ll love the many ways these versatile ingredients complement each other. Charcuterie boards are surprisingly easy to arrange, don’t need to be expensive, and offer the variety you need to please everyone’s appetite. These are perfect for date night or family game night! Here’s where to start:

Foundation

The first thing you’ll need for your charcuterie masterpiece is the foundation, typically a platter, tray, or board made of wood or marble. Feel free to get creative and use whatever type of foundation you have on hand. You’ll also need some small dishes to place on the board for dips, nuts, or olives. A variety of shapes and colors will make your presentation pop, so feel free to use whatever you have in your cabinets.

The size of the foundation matters, as the more extensive the board you use, the more you’ll need to fill it. The great thing about charcuterie boards is their versatility, so there’s no right or wrong. Use your imagination, get creative, and have fun.  

Meats & Cheeses

Variety is the essence of a charcuterie board, so you should include at least three types of cheeses and meats on your board. You can visit the deli counter at TooJay’s Deli and have them slice the exact amounts of meats and cheeses you need. The extensive menu includes provolone, Muenster, pastrami, roast beef, and more. If you’re in the mood for something straightforward and delicious, TooJay’s also offers an assortment of convenient catering platters of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and fruits, which you can deconstruct and use to build your board. Ordering is accessible by phone or online.

Extra Charcuterie Items

Although meats and cheeses are the stars of the show, other great ingredients can jazz up your board and make it your own unique creation. Jellies, jams, and spreads add another nice texture, especially if you don’t have a spreadable cheese on the board. Fruits and veggies add a fresh touch, balance the meats and cheeses’ saltiness, and provide a nice pop of color. Strawberries and grapes add a naturally fresh touch alongside the crunchiness of nuts, such as almonds and walnuts. Last but certainly not least, you’ll need a variety of bread and crackers.  Pick up some of TooJay’s famous Rye Bread and cut slices into quarters for the perfect pairing.

Build Your Charcuterie Board

Now that you have your foundation and items, it’s time to build your charcuterie board. Think of it as creating a culinary collage. First, add structure by placing the smaller bowls with nuts or spreads on the board and continue to build your display around them. Folding each slice of meat gives a layered look and makes it easier to select a piece without touching the surrounding slices. It’s okay if items overlap and seem to blend together, like a delicious tapestry. Then add the crackers or bread, conveniently placing them near the meats and cheeses. Rather than just laying everything flat, you may want to stack some things and let others fall to the side. Fill in the open spots with colorful fruits, veggies, and any other garnishes you prefer.

4 S’s of Charcuterie: Sweet, Savory, Salty, Spicy

Make sure you keep the 4 S’s of Charcuterie foremost in your mind as you decide what items to include; this keeps your board balanced and ensures that it will delight your taste buds!

1. Sweet. Fruit (fresh and dried): grapes, strawberries, dates, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, figs, etc. Your spreads can also be sweet like the apricot jam, fig spread, jellies, etc.
2. Savory. The cheese and meats take charge here. Prepare to have at least 3 varieties of each.
3. Salty. Because the meats are cured, they are also salty. Cheese, nuts, and crackers are other sources of salty items.
4. Spicy. You don’t need to go overboard here – maybe one or two items. Just make sure you let your guests know where the heat is on your charcuterie.

Voila! Your board is now ready to enjoy! The combination of sweet and savory flavors in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement is sure to get rave reviews. And since no French dish is complete without wine, choose a selection that pairs well with the meats and cheeses on your board.  

All you need for a fantastic charcuterie board is a little imagination and a lot of appreciation for how delicious it can be. Whether you keep your board simple or dress it up, no rules apply. Whether you’re quarantining at home or social distancing with friends, a charcuterie board is a perfect way to make a meal your own.

With 20 locations spanning from the Villages to Orlando, and all the way down to Plantation, TooJay’s has been providing Florida with Deli-style delights like Meats and Cheeses since 1981.

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A Sandwich Shop and So Much More!

TooJay’s Deli – More than Just a Sandwich Shop

The best sandwich shop can be the perfect place to enjoy a classic meal that soothes the soul. Known for its piled-high sandwiches with a traditional pickle pairing, TooJay’s Deli has solidified itself as a leader in this category. Between the delicious pastrami, which TooJays sells 270,000 pounds of each year or perfectly sliced roast beef, cravings for the perfect sandwich are always fulfilled at the beloved deli. However, TooJay’s is so much more than just a sandwich shop. With a rich history of providing homestyle quality meals and excellent customer service, it has become a staple in many communities across the Sunshine State.

Let’s start from the beginning

Founded on the island of Palm Beach in 1981, the TooJay’s brand was born out of the passion for creating classic recipes and flavors of an authentic deli. Started by two men, they used the shared portion of their names (two “Jays”) to derive the name.

Quickly becoming a hot spot on the island, TooJay’s opened two more locations in South Florida by 1984. Today, TooJay’s has 20 locations throughout the state of Florida in Orlando, the Treasure Coast, and Palm Beach and Broward counties. As the brand expanded throughout the years, providing the best comfort foods has always remained the same.

Beyond the Best Sandwich Shop

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  Pastrami Burger

Over the years, TooJay’s Deli has created an extensive menu with a variety of hearty entrées, handcrafted sandwiches, made-from-scratch soups and salads delectable baked goods. TooJay’s combines authentic deli flavors with classic meals to create exciting offerings that you can’t get anywhere else.

If you are an all-American breakfast enthusiast or looking for lighter options to begin your day, TooJay’s satisfies everyone at the table. Popular breakfast items include the Nova Salmon Benedict, T.J.’s Ultimate Omelet, and Waffle Sliders. Fresh fruit salads, fish platters, and a Veggie Scramble Wrap round out the list of lighter options.

Whether coming in for lunch or dinner, the deli-inspired restaurant has an assortment of meals for any appetite. Popular starters include loaded latkes, fried dill pickles, classic cheese blintzes, and beer-battered onion rings. Fan-favorite deli sandwiches include the hot pastrami and the Triple J, featuring corned beef, roast beef, turkey, and Swiss cheese rolled with Coleslaw and homestyle Russian dressing. For lighter options, guests can choose from various hand-tossed salads made with fresh ingredients and classic deli scoops like chicken salad, egg salad, and many more. Chicken noodle soup and matzo ball soup are big fan favorites. In fact, so popular that each year 86,000 gallons of chicken soup and 975,000 matzo balls are prepared. TooJay’s For those looking for hearty entrées, TooJay’s offers a fantastic selection of classic comfort foods like the Shepherd’s Pie and a traditional turkey dinner with all of the fixings. Classic burgers, deli dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and other succulent hot handhelds are also available. To end the meal on a sweet note, TooJay’s famous bakery has desirable options that can make anyone indulge.  Decadent cakes top the list with popular favorites like the Banana Dream and Coconut Cake, contributing to the staggering fact that 1.5 million slices of cake are sold each year. Other items that guests usually love include the signature black & white cookies, traditional rugalach coming in different flavors, and the mini napoleon & eclair combo.

A family-friendly restaurant

Kids Love TooJay’s

With so many delicious options for all ages to enjoy, TooJay’s has become the go-to for families celebrating life events big or small. Convenient takeout or curbside pickup is perfect for busy parents juggling work, after-school activities, and dinner time. Catering packages alleviate the stress of cooking holiday meals, like Rosh Hashanah and Thanksgiving, and it’s as easy as placing an order online. The bakery’s made-from-scratch desserts are the perfect addition to any birthday celebration or party. TooJay’s also helps families celebrate holidays and milestones like Halloween or a new school year with special Kids Eat Free deals.

As families keep turning to TooJay’s to fulfill their dining needs, the restaurant is guaranteed to remain a trusted partner and cherished tradition for generations to come.

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Catering for Any Sized Event

Catering Makes Entertaining Stress-Free

Few tasks can be more stressful than hosting a gathering, whether you’re faced with preparing a fancy dinner or a simply delicious lunch or breakfast. Whether for home or office, planning an event can sound like a great idea when you think of it, but quickly can become overwhelming when you lay out the details. How do you decide what to serve and still have the pleasure of enjoying your guests? The answer is simple, find the best catering near you! 

In your search for a solution, remember that cooking everything ahead of time is rarely the answer. Most foods require some time in the kitchen for heating, re-plating, and putting on the finishing touches. 

Thankfully, TooJay’s Deli, with locations throughout Florida, provides excellent catering options for an event of any size. With contactless curbside pick-up and delivery options available and strict adherence to all current health and safety guidelines, you can rest assured that your experience will be safe and easy from the start.

Catering Orders Made Easy

The first step to a successful catering experience is placing your order online or calling your nearest TooJay’s location. Know the date and time for pick-up or delivery, the items you want, and the number of people you expect to serve.  

If you need some help selecting your menu, TooJay’s can help you plan the perfect menu. Contact your nearest location or complete a catering request form to receive expert advice for your next event.

Many Options ‘Too’ Choose From!

TooJay’s catering menu is full of crowd-pleasing breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for groups of all sizes.

Hosting a longer event?? Have no fear! With great food and the ability to customize your order for nearly any size event, TooJay’s has you covered.  The All-Day Meeting package is a crowd-pleaser with an assortment of bagels, pastries, muffins, and coffee service. When lunchtime rolls around, there’s something for everyone when you order assorted sandwiches and wraps with coleslaw or potato salad and pickles. For break time, TooJay’s Traditional Dessert Platter is sure to make everyone sit up and notice.

In addition to their famous, piled-high sandwiches, TooJay’s offers an array of hot entrée selections that provide delicious comfort food for the holidays or any day. 

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View Catering Menu

Endless Combinations

It’s easy to see why TooJay’s is renowned for the seemingly endless options on its menu, and that holds true for a catering menu with a selection that’s second to none.

Let’s begin with breakfast and get your event started on a positive note with The Executive Breakfast, the Omelette Station, and a selection of breakfast platters for all tastes and sizes. Oatmeal, grits, vanilla yogurt and more are also available to order à la carte.

When lunchtime rolls around, you can take an individualized approach with an impressive variety of individual boxed sandwich/wrap combo options. Boxed sandwich/wrap combos are served with coleslaw or potato salad, a pickle, and the deli’s famous Black & White cookie. Individual hand-crafted salads are also available and are accompanied by a Black & White cookie.

For Game Day parties and other fun get-togethers, choose from the Game Day Bundle, Signature or Classic Party Platters and enjoy an assortment of sandwiches or wraps served with coleslaw or potato salad and pickles. Other party options include generous platters of assorted deli meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, or cheese.

If it’s time to delight a  group of family, friends, or business associates, TooJay’s Signature and Classic Executive Meeting Packages serve 4 to 10 people and include platters of deli sandwiches, a variety of wraps, or a combination of both, served with a house or Caesar salad, one side of coleslaw or potato salad and pickles, plus TooJay’s Traditional Dessert Platter. Hot entrées are also available for lunch and dinner events. Popular items include the Chicken Capri, Shepherd’s Pie, Pasta, Salmon, Beef Brisket, Old Fashioned Pot Roast, and more. 

So, before you panic about your next event, remember that TooJay’s is here to serve a meal that everyone can enjoy – including you.

Are you trying to find the best catering near you?

Look no further! Our Catering menu is packed with all the crowd-pleasing favorites for any sized group! Whether you are hosting a breakfast or lunch business meeting, a family gathering, or a full formal dinner, TooJay’s has you covered! Our ordering process is completed in five simple steps:

• Select the date and time you need your order
• Choose between pick-up or delivery (Fees apply)
• Let us know how many guests you are hosting
• Select your menu items
• Place your order

Unsure if you need boxed lunches, gourmet party platters, lavish hor d’oeuvres, or our irresistible hot entree buffets, then contact our dedicated catering sales team and they will be more than happy to assist you with all of your catering needs!

View Catering Menu

Founded in 1981, TooJay’s has catered over Half-a-Million events across the state of Florida. We are currently serving guests in Palm Beach and Broward counties, the Treasure Coast, the Orlando area, and The Villages.

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Who Invented The Hamburger?

The American steakhouse, a similar hamburger sandwich, was requested by sailors on ships from Hamburg to New York. The German chef Otto Kuasw in 1891 in Hamburg, Germany, his version of the creation of a hamburger was to create a very popular sailor sandwich with fried egg, fried butter and served on a toasted bun. The secret ingredients used in the recipe, such as bacon, eggs, cheese, mustard, salt and pepper, were primitive. 

In the late 1880s, Fletcher Davis of Athens, Texas, claimed to have invented the hamburger, but this claim was refuted without supporting the claim. Enthusiasts claim it was founded in 1884 by a chef named Sauerbrown or “Little Victor” in a community in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. 

According to oral tradition, he opened a lunch break and served fried mince pies with a variety of other meats such as chicken, pork, beef and pork ribs. 

Other inventions and stories may claim to explain why the sandwich is called a hamburger, but the Menches Brothers of 1885 claim it was their invention. When I start to toast my hair I feel a little like this: They say that it’s not really a “hamburger” because of the toasted bread. 

In the 1880s, she is said to have opened a lunch counter serving fried mince pies with a side of hamburgers on top. It was a man named Fletcher Davis from Texas who claimed to have invented the hamburger and explained everything. 

Fletcher and his wife ran a booth at the World’s Fair, and the term “Salisbury Steak” appeared in print in 1897. This is considered a precursor of the modern hamburger and was seen as a possible place for the creation of hamburgers, which of course means that more than one person could have created it. Salisbury steak’s fried pies are considered the forerunner of today’s burger, which is made with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, garlic, onions and tomato sauce. 

Brothers Charles and Frank Menches claimed credit for the creation when they ran out of pork sausages at the Erie County Fair in 1885 and replaced their sandwich with beef. They were also named inventors of the beef patty and buns, but claim to have been wedged in between. 

Enthusiasm for America’s favorite sandwich has gathered pace, and the day is reminiscent of the hamburger sandwich that took place at the Erie County Fair in 1885. 

Legend has it that Menches ran for the first time at the age of 12, with a hamburger sandwich in his hand, over the course of the fair. 

The German butchers happened to be in Hamburg, they decided to name the new dish after him and decided to call it Hamburger. They suggested replacing ground beef, but the sandwich became more popular, so they christened the beef sandwich after their new-found success the hamburger. The German butcher, who happened to be more a butcher than a pig, decided he needed a name for it. 

Gray apparently bought sandwiches from a local bakery to serve his hamburgers with chopped onions, katsup and mustard. 

Fletcher Davis is the man credited with bringing his hamburger stand to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, where it was recognized and achieved national fame. The story is that Davis and his wife Ciddy ran a sandwich stall at the St. Louis City and County Fair in 1905 and the St. Louis International Fair in 1903. Her family claims the two brothers invented the hamburgers while travelling in the 1880s. 

History says they ran out of pork, so they ground beef and served it at work. So they took inspiration from the town they were in and called it a hamburger, but they didn’t know what to call it. 

According to the Library of Congress, Louis Lassen sold the first hamburger in the United States in 1900. He is also said to have served it at a lunch called Louis’ Lunch Wagon in New Haven, Connecticut. 

The fast-food chain Weiße Burg honored Otto Kuase, who in 1891 prepared a beef patty in butter and garnished it with a fried egg (which was later omitted). Charlie claimed he sold meatballs and called them hamburger steaks, which were familiar to German immigrants on the ground. 

The family of Oscar Weber Bilby says he invented the hamburger in 1891, and his son-in-law and co-founder of the Weisse Burg says he did not. 

The Hamburger Rundstube was already popular in 1869 and is considered the forerunner of the modern Hamburg. Although the invention is controversial, similar foods have existed in Germany at least since the mid-19th century, and the hamburger steak is known in the USA as hamburger steak, hamburger steaks or hamburger steaks.

Nowadays you can find a delicious Burger at TooJay’s Just Look at our Florida Burger Map.

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