.
![Connie-Francis-Sings-Jewish-Favorites-LP_3037 Connie-Francis-Sings-Jewish-Favorites-LP_3037](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Connie-Francis-Sings-Jewish-Favorites-LP_3037.jpg)
When I was young, “Connie Francis Sings Jewish Favorites” spun on the hi-fi every Jewish holiday. I loved Connie F., especially for her song ‚ “Teddy”, a lesser-known Francis spin but one of the first songs where I noticed how important a sweeping melody could be to a record. As a kid, music was like religion to me. Whereas RELIGION always felt so serious. So the fact that there was a Pop influence infiltrating the holidays in the Willis household was of great comfort to me. That Connie Francis was Italian and so far away from being Jewish did not deter me at all. The first paragraph of the liner notes was good enough for me:
![Connie-Francis-Sings-Jewish-Favorites-LP_3041 Connie-Francis-Sings-Jewish-Favorites-LP_3041](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Connie-Francis-Sings-Jewish-Favorites-LP_3041.jpg)
I wish that all it took these days to satisfy and amaze everyone was an impeccable Jewish accent.
![Connie-Francis-Sings-Jewish-Favorites-LP_3039 Connie-Francis-Sings-Jewish-Favorites-LP_3039](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Connie-Francis-Sings-Jewish-Favorites-LP_3039.jpg)
I only knew a few of the songs Connie chose to sing and am not quite sure how the “Anniversary Song” got in there but back then it was rumored she was dating Bobby Darin so I was fine with whatever she wanted to sing.
Last night I was hitting Jewish high notes myself when I partook in the Rosh Hashanah feast at Street restaurant, my favorite haunt be it Jewish holiday or not. I came dressed for the occasion.
![street_3063 street_3063](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/street_3063.jpg)
Just as Connie Francis wasn’t on the playlist at every Jewish household during the holidays, Rosh Hashana at Street wasn’t the usual latkes and macaroons fare either. Although my favorite, Gefilte Fish, wasn’t on the menu Matzoh Ball Soup was. It was seriously THE BEST Matzoh Ball Soup I have ever tasted.
![street_3056 street_3056](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/street_3056.jpg)
We also had Whitefish Salad with Apples, Celery and Bagel Chips. Though I never liked whitefish as much as I liked Connie Francis.
![street_3058 street_3058](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/street_3058.jpg)
The killer food of the night was the Brisket.
![street_3083 street_3083](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/street_3083.jpg)
It was served with carrots, onion and fresh herbs and Noodle Kugel.
![street_3077 street_3077](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/street_3077.jpg)
Sorry for the blurry photo. I was too excited to eat once I realized the kugel was topped with Sugar Frosted Flakes. The Feniger-tweaked food slid down the throat of this Chosen Person faster than freshly skimmed schmaltz.
When I went to pay for the meal I realized that some of my accessories may have been slightly inappropriate for the evening.
![street_3096 street_3096](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/street_3096.jpg)
I cannot attest to being the world’s greatest practicing Jew but I’m always happy to honor the holidays in above manner. And I would hope that “Connie Francis Sings Jewish Favorites” would always be on the menu.
![street_3055 street_3055](https://www.alleewillis.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/street_3055.jpg)
windupkitty
AAAAHAHAHHAAHHAHAA!!!!! I LOVE the Connie Francis in the soup…I jsut sprayed coffee! :)
Even though I’m a vegetarian, that feast looks amazing…..I’d trade my arm for some delicious matzo ball soup! LOve your themed outfit…..
I think I might have that CF album?? Man, I can’t even remember what I have anymore!
Douglas Wood
I know it must be tough to reward your own contributions, but you deserve a Classique d’ Camembert for this posting for four reasons:
a. The item itself. Connie Francis sings Jewish Favorites?!! What a kitsch gem!
b. The bacon wallet over the Jewish star photo.
c. Chosen Person/schmaltz one-liner
d. The laugh-out-loud image of Connie in the matzoh ball soup
Actually, you’d even deserve it for just d. alone.
Allee Willis
Thank you, Douglas!! I always trust your instincts.
MyFunCloset
What better way to usher in the New Year! Your post is a celebration to life. I will see Connie in my matzoh ball soup forever.
k2dtw
OMG…so wonderful, so funny… Bella Connie…
Mark Milligan
I agree with Mr. Wood on the Classique d’Camembert, and it truly was one of my favorite Allee posts!
And the food looks fantastic, and of course it always is if you “Eat at Street.”
That Matzo Ball Soup looks a little heavy on the Connie.
Allee Willis
Ok, Douglas and Mark, I’ve gone back and retrofitted myself and my Judaism with a Classique d‚ÄôCamembert. L’Chaim!