Special Section: Food & Romance (2026)

Food&Romance

jewishnewsva.org | FEBRUARY 9, 2026 | JEWISH NEWS | 17

F o o d&Romance Dear Readers, R I S TOR A N T E I N S P I R E D

B Y

I TA LY

Valentine’s Day CELEBRATE

For whatever reason, whenever “there’s a little romance,” food inevitably manages to be a major ingredient of the story. Romantic dinners, picnics, wine tastings, walks with ice cream cones, movies with tubs of popcorn. . . the list of romantic encounters paired with food is practically endless, and explains why we’ve combined the two topics in this section.

Consider the feature that begins on the next page, about four couples’ engagement

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stories. Once past the “YES!” and perhaps the shock of the moment, food is part of

FEBRUARY 14

their narratives . . . at restaurants and home celebrations with family and friends.

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And, of course with rings. . .the proposals all involved rings.

Travelling from Tidewater for any reason nearly always includes a transfer at a hub airport. Notably the busiest is Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and one that travelers like to avoid in order to avoid the crowds. Now, there’s a reason to think positively about a layover there. . . a new Jewish deli that Food Network star Duff Goldman just opened. The article is on page 22.

Additional articles in the section cover the opening of a Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn store, a service at Ohef Sholom Temple celebrating milestone anniversaries, and one about making use of a family meal to have honest conversations about legacy.

Whether dining alone, with friends, family, or a romantic partner, all of us at Jewish News wish you a hearty B’tayavon!

Terri Denison Editor

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F o o d&Romance

Engagement stories filled with romance and surprise

When it’s time to propose, the days of going it alone and private are a thing of the past. It used to be that all that was necessary to become engaged was a couple in love and a ring.

Family, friends, and photographers to capture the moment, are all part of today’s engagement event. Each event, however, always come with a twist. . .a special place, a surprise, a perfectly planned personal moment that the couple will, hopefully, treasure forever.

Four Tidewater-connected couples share their magical engagement stories with Jewish News for this section. While all are unique, each did involve a couple in love, a ring, and a photographer.

Not one, but two engagements took place in the Zelenka fami ly over the past 12 months As told to Terri Denison From the time they were babies, Adam Zelenka and his brother, Sam Zelenka, were regular fixtures around the Sandler Family Campus– whether at the then-Hebrew Academy of Tidewater (now Strelitz International Academy) or JCC Summer Camp as campers then CITs and later counselors, or just visiting their mom, Amy Zelenka in her office upstairs at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Both brothers (about five years apart with Adam being the older), went on to attend and graduate from Virginia Tech and start their adult lives. Both were also fortunate to meet their future life partners (now fiancées) a few years ago. And both will soon marry the loves of their lives

Sam and Christa

A commercial property manager at SL Nusbaum Realty Co., Sam and his fiancée, Christa Van Geluwe, a speech language pathologist at Ivy Rehab, live in Virginia Beach.

Sam proposed to Christa at First Landing Park near the water. He also wanted a place they could always revisit. For the proposal, Sam secretly hired a photographer and said, “let’s go get our pictures taken.”

They left First Landing to go tell her parents, where a surprise party was waiting that included his parents and brother, along with friends.

Adam and Caroline

Adam, a software engineer in the aerospace industry, lives and works in Northern Virginia.

Caroline Coppersmith, his fiancée, is a Writing Center coordinator at American University. The couple chose to have their engagement photos taken at a park near their home where they walk their dog. They wanted to have a place that was a landmark to them that they could revisit and always celebrate the day of their engagement. The couple will marry this April in Chadds Ford, Pa. Sam Zelenka and Christa Van Geluwe.

Caroline Coppersmith and Adam Zelenka. jewishnewsva.org | FEBRUARY 9, 2026 | JEWISH NEWS | 19

F o o d&Romance

Jacob Gurvis and Deni Budman.

Deni Budman and Jacob Gurvis have a perfect engagement day in LA Jacob Gurvis As I set out to plan my proposal to Deni, I knew pulling off a complete surprise was likely off the table. We had been dating for seven and a half years, and we had gone ring shopping together. Still, my goal was to put together a fun day with enough red herrings to keep her on her toes!

Nikki Grossman and Tim Thornton: An engagement worth waiting for As told to Terri Denison This Virginia Beach couple’s romance began in high school when Tim Thornton, trying to earn money to purchase a car, held summer jobs at Coyote Café, a once popular Beach restaurant and at Ocean Ices, a cart

We began with brunch in downtown Los Angeles (our friends “shockingly” cancelled on us when we were already on the way, turning it into a romantic table for two), followed by a “spontaneous” trip to LA’s famous flower market, where we built a bouquet together. Next, we went to get manicures — admittedly not so subtle — before picking up lunch from one of our favorite local cafes. While we ate, we scrapbooked in our shared bullet journal that I had made Deni for our one-year anniversary.

We changed for dinner and set out for the Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area, a sprawling park where I had scoped out a spot with a gorgeous view of the L.A. skyline framed by mountains. A photographer hid behind a tree, waiting to capture the moment. When the light was just right, I got down on one knee. Luckily, she said yes!

After snapping a few more pictures and calling our families, Deni and I went to dinner, where we shared a bottle of champagne and I told her the full story of my proposal planning. The only thing I didn’t reveal was the final (planned) stop of the night. After dinner, we went to a bar where nearly a dozen of our closest friends waited to surprise Deni and celebrate with us.

Then, in the spur of the moment, we realized our

Jacob Gurvis and Deni Budman share the news with their parents.

selling flavored ices at the Oceanfront.

At the same time, Nikki Grossman was working as a summer manager for Ocean Ices. During one fateful shift, Nikki worked the cart with Tim, which happened to be located in front of the Elvis stage at the Oceanfront, presenting ample opportunities for sarcastic and silly comments and laughs. With a connection made, the young couple started to date.

Different colleges in different states, the long distance, and other boy and girlfriends resulted in Nikki and Tim remaining friends but not being romantically involved. Then, in 2007,

Nikki returned to town and they began to date again, now as young adults.

Seven years later and still dating, in 2014, Nikki and Tim, along with their friend Wess Sandler and his date, travelled to Steve Sandler’s home in Anguilla for a weekend of celebration; and a surprise proposal.

Sandler arranged to have a photographer on the beach when Tim proposed to Nikki on his 30th birthday, April 3. Tim muses that he chose that date so that he’ll never forget. He also recalls that Nikki’s scream of surprise and “Yes!” was so loud that 200 yards away in the house with closed windows, the chef heard her.

One year later, Nikki and Tim married at the Half Moon Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk with approximately 400 people attending to witness the nuptials and celebrate. Family friend, Joel Rubin, officiated.

Tim Thornton barely got down on his knee when Nikki Grossman exclaimed.

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favorite ice cream shop, which was only blocks away, was closing in 15 minutes. Celebratory balloons in hand, we all paraded down Abbot Kinney Boulevard to close down Salt & Straw — collecting cheers and “Mazel Tovs” from passersby. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

The couple got married in October 2025 at the Chrysler Museum of Art.

F o o d&Romance

Jody’s Popcorn opens new retail store A small factory retail store recently opened at Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn’s Norfolk manufacturing facility – making in-person purchasing of the artisan popcorn again doable for Tidewater residents.

While it’s always possible to purchase the popcorn from the company’s website, Jody Wagner, president of Jody’s Popcorn, says, “We are excited to provide this outlet in Norfolk for customers. This location, along with Jody’s Popcorn’s participation at the Painted Tree in Virginia Beach, provides grab-and-go shopping, which was unavailable after Jody’s closed its Oceanfront store.”

At the new store, Wagner says, “We always have our famous Recipe 53 Caramel Corn, Double Cheddar, and Chocolate Drizzle Popcorn options available.” In addition to these regular popcorn items, customers will find exclusive deal opportunities,

she says, such as seasonal and limitededition flavors.

As a bonus to shopping at the factory outlet, Wagner adds, “If anyone plans to come to the store and wants a quick tour of our manufacturing operation, please let me know in advance so we can arrange it.”

Whether for a gift, to serve guests, or simply to enjoy as a snack, the koshercertified popcorn is made with premium ingredients such as real butter and nonGMO kernels, is gluten and preservative free, and is always made in Norfolk.

Jody’s Popcorn also offers the option to have bags custom labeled for use in connection with weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs.

A gift that will be enjoyed every time it is used!

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Jody’s Popcorn is located at 2842 Cromwell Road in Norfolk. The store is open 8:30 am 3:30 pm, Monday-Friday.

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F o o d&Romance A Food Network star opens a Jewish Deli at America’s busiest airport With Duff Goldman’s new deli, Atlanta welcomes airport food that’s anything but.

Evelyn Frick As a rule, I don’t eat at the airport. It’s not that I don’t want to. I’ve just given up on finding an airport restaurant that seems appetizing. Terminal food always appears clumsily made with ingredients that look anything but fresh, resulting in concoctions that are too heavy and too greasy.

Presented with those depressing options, I prefer to stick with just a cold ginger ale from the bookstore, thanks.

But the next time I find myself at Atlanta’s HartsfieldJackson International Airport, I think I might finally, thankfully, break my rule. That’s because chef Duff Goldman just opened his first restaurant there, a Jewish deli called Duff’s Deli + Market.

Yes, you read that correctly. The 51-year-old Jewish pastry chef and owner of Baltimore’s Charm City Cakes, perhaps best known for his Food Network reality show, Ace of Cakes, has opened a deli. But from Goldman’s

perspective, this foray into savory is a completely natural one. “Before I was a pastry chef, before TV, before any of that, I was a kid who grew up eating at Jewish delis. Those places shaped my understanding of food as comfort, as culture, and as community,” Goldman says. “Opening a deli felt like coming full circle and paying tribute to the food I grew up loving.”

And what a tribute it is. In Goldman’s estimation, what makes a great Jewish deli is its soul, and Duff’s Deli + Market certainly has a lot of that. The vibe of the space is whimsical — the restaurant’s decor is mostly peachy salmon (think lox). The menu is decorated with smiling cartoon food.

The multi-tier, colorful cakes Duff is known for are on

display throughout the restaurant. The menu includes classic deli fare, such as a hot pastrami sandwich (Goldman’s favorite item on the menu), the lox platter, matzah ball soup, a bagel and schmear, and black and white cookies. But there are some twists, too; like the sliced brisket on rye with tiger sauce, the craft dessert-themed cocktails at the bar and the cake jars from Charm City Cakes. For travelers with a connection to catch and no time for the full sit-down experience, the gourmet market component offers plenty of pre-prepared salads, sandwiches, drinks, and more — a welcome reprieve from the sameness of terminal take-away.

This article first appeared on The Nosher.

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F o o d& Milestone anniversaries celebrated at Ohef Sholom Temple Friday February 13 6:30 pm Ohef Sholom Temple An annual tradition at Ohef Sholom Temple, congregants’ milestone anniversaries in 2026 will be recognized during Friday night services.

“Celebrating these remarkable milestones in love and commitment” brings all couples who attend the Shabbat service and have a milestone anniversary this year – from five years to 65 years – under a chuppah for a blessing. This service is always joyful, fun, and meaningful for the couples, as well as for others attending.

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Whether you’re walking down the aisle or gathering with family and friends to celebrate a cherished event, our downtown Norfolk waterfront venue is the perfect place for your celebration. Our event specialists will work with you closely to transform your vision into an unforgettable celebration, incorporating stunning decor and exquisite cuisine.

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F o o d&Romance Legacy conversations begin around the table TJF Staff The table was already cluttered. Half-empty glasses, a bowl of pasta passed one more time, someone reaching for the last challah crumbs. It wasn’t a planned conversation. No agenda. Just a familiar meal, shared with people who knew one another well enough to speak honestly. Somewhere between dessert and coffee, the question surfaced: Why does giving matter so much to you?

Moments like these – unscripted, warm, and rooted in connection – are often where meaningful conversations about family values and legacy begin. Across generations, families have gathered around food not only to nourish the body, but to share stories, pass down traditions, and explore what matters most. These conversations don’t require formal meetings or legal documents. They happen naturally, shaped by each family’s rhythm, humor, and history.

Talking about legacy isn’t about perfection or preparedness. It’s about curiosity. It might start with a memory, how someone learned about giving from a parent or grandparent, or a simple question posed over dinner: What causes do you care about most? From there, values

emerge. Justice. Responsibility.

Lovingkindness. Memory.

What can feel abstract on paper becomes deeply personal when spoken aloud.

In many Jewish homes, tikkun olam isn’t discussed as a concept. It’s practiced. It shows up in the causes families support, the values they model, and the way generosity is woven into everyday life. A shared meal becomes more than nourishment; it becomes a reminder that repairing the world often begins close to home, one conversation and one choice at a time.

Tidewater Jewish Foundation encourages families to embrace these moments and meet each other where they are. Through thoughtfully designed conversation guides, TJF offers simple prompts and reflections that help families talk about giving, values, and the Jewish future in ways that feel authentic, not intimidating.

“Legacy conversations don’t have to be heavy or formal to be meaningful,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO. “Some of the most powerful discussions happen when families are relaxed and present with one another.

A shared meal creates space for listening, vulnerability, and connection. That’s where values are truly passed on.”

Whether it’s a Shabbat dinner, a holiday gathering, or a quiet weeknight meal, these moments offer an opportunity to begin, or continue, the conversation.

To request a complimentary conversation guide or to schedule a relaxed, no-pressure legacy conversation with a Tidewater Jewish Foundation team member, contact Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO, at nsedek@tjfva.org

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