Men’s Club Steak & Scotch: Social Distance Style 2020

The Beth El Men’s Club really wanted to hold our annual Steak & Scotch event despite all the issues surrounding COVID. The Shul was closed for any social activity and the mandate, at the time, was no more than 10 people could get together. We also ensured that each host had a Kosher home and a few tables and/or places for people to spread out and sit outside. Additionally, we made sure each host was willing to grill the steaks and serve each person; they were required to wear a mask and gloves the entire time (see attached directions for more detail). A helper was assigned to help the member host with grilling and serving guests.

We decided we could break up into groups of ten. We asked 10 people to host an outdoor ‘modified Steak & Scotch’ event. In the end fewer people than usual signed up due to concerns about social gatherings. We made several important changes to ensure Covid-19 safety and make guests feel comfortable about attending.

We advertised the event as an outdoor event and let it be known that, if it rained, we would reschedule. We also let people know that the deadline to respond was firm and no additional people could register or attend if they missed the deadline. No walk-ins!

We then ordered a one-pound rib-eye steak for each participant. Using Covid-19 safe protocols, we then seasoned and wrapped individual steaks. On the day of the event, we made a party package to go to each home and then delivered them to each host home. The package contained food, drinks and individually wrapped silverware and seasonings. We also bought and filled individual servings of Steak Sauce. Additionally, we pre-made individual servings for guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips, and asked the hosts to prepare individual servings of grilled salami as appetizers. We also delivered a package of scotch, soda pop and water for each house along with plastic silverware, napkins, plates, and table cloths. The host or helper wearing mask and gloves served the drinks. Rather than using a buffet style serving of dinner, the hosts pre-set the table and the utensils and salt and paper were provided wrapped in individual plastic packages. The hosts adorned with aprons, gloves and masks, plated the food and brought it to the guests to ensure minimal contact of multiple people with the food.

We created a Zoom meeting for all participants, and each host home set up a computer or tablet outdoors to join the Zoom meeting with their group. The Zoom meeting lasted throughout the pre-dinner appetizers and davening. We socialized over appetizers, paused for a L’chaim and to daven Maariv. We cooked up the steaks and served them along with salad, cole slaw and corn on the cob.

We charged $60 per person and offered sponsorship levels (see attached flyer). We also passed a hat for extra donations at the event that we collect for tikkun olam donations to our synagogue.

The event was a smashing success. Some people even said the small group made the event more enjoyable.

Attached is an image of a layout plan of one of the host's backyard showing the tables and chairs positioned for the event. For example, six-foot tables were doubled up to create 5' by 6' table groupings with four persons sitting at each table grouping to provide a comfortable 6-foot minimum distance between the chairs. Also, the layout image shows two circles of chairs on the back lawn separated by six-foot to maintain safe distancing during the pre-dinner drinks and appetizers. A couple of photographs are provided showing the guests enjoying the event sitting in the chairs and the hosts masked up and grilling the steaks.