Kansas City Chiefs Lineman Mitchell Schwartz Will Share Love of Food in the Social Hall of the Jewish Community Center

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz will share his passions on and off the football field, during a program on Monday night, Oct. 15, in the Social Hall of the Jewish Community Center, 5801 W 115th Street in Overland Park.

The team's only Jewish player, and one of four or five Jews on today's NFL rosters, Schwartz is known for his love of food, including some of his favorite Jewish dishes. He and his brother Geoff, a former NFL player, recently co-authored "Eat My Schwartz," in which he describes the preparation of potato pancakes, traditionally served during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, and known as latkes.

"The key was not to nick your knuckles on the potato grater; my dad taught us that," said Schwartz.

The 7 p.m. program will include Schwartz talking with 610 Sports Commentator Bob Fescoe about his culinary adventures, his fast track to football success and his beloved Pomeranian dog, Cupcake. He'll then provide a cooking demonstration of his latkes that the audience will have the opportunity to sample, followed by an informal Q&A, book sale and signing.

A native of California, Schwartz entered the NFL after playing for the University of California-Berkeley. He was a second round draft pick for the Cleveland Browns. After four seasons, the Chiefs picked him up with this being Schwartz's third season with the team. Schwartz hasn't missed a snap in his 96-game NFL career. Recently married, Schwartz and his wife Brooke live with Cupcake in Overland Park.

The cost to attend the Schwartz program is $10 for J members, $15 for non-members, and Schwartz asks audience members "to be a good sport by bringing dog food for the Jewish Family Services Pet Food Pantry that provides sustenance for clients' pets."

To make a reservation visit thejkc.org/eatmyschwartz. For more information, please call Jill Maidhof, Jewish Experiences Director, at 913-327-8077.Established more than 100 years ago, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, "The J," provides a warm welcome to families of all backgrounds. "The J's" all-in-one hub for health, learning and well-being elevates the lives of the community and its members with programs of excellence in fitness, sports, theatre, Jewish culture, senior adult programming and youth services including summer camps and child development. Everyone can live up at "The J," located in Overland Park, Kansas, and at thejkc.org.