I had the most incredible summer at Perlman! Between all the laughter, life lessons, and lasting friendships, one thing that often gets overlooked is the food. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of camp, but let’s not forget the meals that kept us fueled through all the fun. From classic comfort foods to unexpected culinary surprises, here’s my top 10 list (in no particular order) of the best dishes served at Perlman, each bringing its own special flavor to a summer I’ll never forget!

1. Pizza Bagels: A simple yet surprisingly satisfying dish, the pizza bagel was a camp favorite. Picture this: a warm, chewy bagel topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, just like your favorite pizza. The combination of crispy, soft, and savory made it a perfect snack or quick meal that always hit the spot.
2. Shabbos Cake: Every Friday night, we gathered to celebrate Shabbat, and one of the highlights was the Shabbos cake. Whether it was vanilla, chocolate, or something more adventurous, the cake was always the star of the evening. Each week brought a new flavor and frosting combination, making every Shabbat feel like a celebration with friends, laughter, and the sweetest ending to the week.
3. Cinnamon Rolls: As someone with a sweet tooth, the Saturday morning cinnamon rolls were a great treat. The smell of warm dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar greeted us as we walked into the dining hall. The soft, sticky rolls were the perfect way to start the weekend—sweet, satisfying, and energizing us for the day ahead.
4. Saturday Sandwiches: Saturday lunches at Perlman were an event in themselves, and the build-your-own sandwiches were always a hit. There were endless options: deli meats, veggies, sauces, and toppings galore. Whether you kept it simple with turkey and cheese or went all out with an overflowing masterpiece, these sandwiches were filling, customizable, and perfect fuel for a day of camp adventures.
5. Pasta Party: The Pasta Party was one of the most eagerly anticipated meals at camp. Chef Jeff would prepare multiple types of pasta—penne, spaghetti, and bowtie—paired with a variety of sauces like marinara, Alfredo, and pesto. Paired with a side of garlic bread, these meals were super comforting and filling after a day full of activities.
6. Burgers & Chicken Sandwiches: The customizable burgers and chicken sandwiches were a standout meal for many campers. Onto burgers or chicken sandwiches, we could pile on the toppings—cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, you name it. Paired with chips or a salad from the salad bar, these meals were both hearty and satisfying, giving us the energy to keep going.
7. Salad Bar: While not every camper gravitated toward the salad bar, I lived for it. It was a great way to balance meals or add an extra snack to fill you up. The salad bar had everything you could need: greens, veggies, fruits, and a variety of dressings. If you were feeling adventurous, you could even load up on fruit for a refreshing snack or mix and match ingredients for a creative salad masterpiece.
8. Egg McPerlman: The Egg McPerlman was hands down one of my favorite breakfast foods. Imagine a soft, warm biscuit sandwiching a perfectly cooked egg and melted cheese, all wrapped up in tin foil to keep it warm. It was the perfect balance of fluffy, savory, and comforting, giving me just the right amount of energy to start my day with a smile.
9. Soup: Chef Jeff’s soups were always a welcome surprise and a crowd-pleaser. One of the most iconic pairings was the bread bowl filled with rich vegetable or broccoli cheddar soup. And who could forget grilled cheese sandwiches paired with a bowl of tomato soup? A classic combo that always brought smiles around the table. Another favorite was the soup each Friday. Soup days were always good days.
10. Bagels: You can never go wrong with a fresh bagel, and Perlman’s bagels were always delicious. Whether you liked them plain, toasted, or loaded with cream cheese, there was no shortage of options. Add toppings like lox, tomato, or cream cheese, and you had the perfect breakfast or snack. Bagels were a quick, easy, and delicious way to start the day.

Each of these dishes brought something unique to the Perlman experience, and they weren’t just meals—they were memories. Whether it was sharing a Shabbos cake with friends or enjoying a pasta party after a fun-filled day, the food at Perlman was always a highlight, adding flavor to an unforgettable summer.