Ah, humble egg cream: foamy, frothy, fizzy, sweet. Finally, the delicious beverage gets its due at an Egg Cream Eggstravaganza, happening on Saturday, Feb. 16, at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire. Road trip, perhaps?
The event is a collaboration between the Berkshires’ Jewish Festival of Books and the Berkshire Jewish Film Festival.
Begin the evening with a screening of the short film “Egg Cream” by Nora Claire Miller, Amy Linton and Peter Miller. Trace its chocolate-y roots to the Lower East Side, learn why it contains neither eggs nor cream and enjoy plenty of archival imagery from bygone soda fountain establishments.
Then listen as author Barry Joseph discusses “Seltzertopia: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary Drink,” a future book festival selection. He’ll sell copies after the talk.
Finally, mix and mingle with fellow egg cream aficionados over classic egg creams. If you’re in the area longer, pop into The Great Barrington Bagel Company & Deli, which will run egg cream specials all week long.
“The egg cream is psychologically the opposite of circumcision. It pleasurably reaffirms your Jewishness,” laughs Avi Dresner, co-chair of the Berkshires’ Jewish Festival of Books, quoting Mel Brooks.
Persuaded yet? The event is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. RSVP to ensure enough egg creams at 413-526-6378 or at Hevreh.org.
