Hanukkah on the Rocks (2024 Hallmark Channel)
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Cast: Stacey Farber, Daren Kagasoff, Marc Summers
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Synopsis (via Hallmark)
One week before Hanukkah, corporate lawyer Tory (Farber) finds herself unexpectedly unemployed and questioning the career she’s dedicated years to. As she helps her Bubby prepare for the holiday, she embarks on a quest across Chicago to find the last box of coveted Hanukkah candles. Her search leads her to Rocky’s, an Old Town bar, where she encounters Jay (Kagasoff), a charming doctor from Florida, his grandfather Sam (Summers) and a cast of quirky regulars who make her rethink everything. Torn between keeping her job loss a secret and embracing a newfound sense of belonging, Tory ends up bartending at Rocky’s, transforming it into the vibrant “Hanukkah on the Rocks” celebration. Through festive food, drinks, and games, she revitalizes the bar, bonds with Jay, and finds the courage to pursue her true calling. As Tory navigates the holiday, she learns that sometimes a detour can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be, lighting the way to a future filled with joy, romance, and self-discovery.
Recap/Wine Thoughts
Tori sees her Bubby more than almost anyone she knows! She meets her for Lox brunch and catches her up on almost making partner at her law firm. Unfortunately for Tori, she is laid off right before Hanukkah. She is down and goes to her sister’s house. Becca last saw Tori a while ago, and her son doesn’t even recognize his aunt. (Yikes!).
Across town, Jay Rosen is back at the family bar in downtown Chicago. He is in from Florida. The bar has a cast of characters, including the bartender, Lottie, a regular named Anthony, and his grandpa, Marc Summers?!?!
Tori and Jay cross paths at a local store and fight over the GOOD Hanukkah candles. She lets him have them and then follows Jay into his family bar. Tori makes friends with Marc Summers and sits down for a drink. He apologizes for his grandson’s rudeness. A bartender suddenly quits, and Tori helps make a drink. They want to hire her full-time since she doesn’t have a job. Tori agrees to work at the bar for one night.
Marc Summers tells Tori she is like the granddaughter he never had and asks her to light the menorah. It inspires Tori to make the bar a Hanukkah bar, Hanukkah on the rocks. Tori stays on full-time and works with Jay to decorate the bar.
Each night that passes, the bar staff enhances the Hanukkah on the rocks experience. They add a happy hour menu, signature cocktails, games, and marketing, which really blows up. They even do Hanukkah trivia and speed dating.
Tori keeps the fact that she is working at a bar from her family, except for Becca. Bubby probably knows TBH. She totally does and brings it up to Tori at the JCC menorah lighting. Tori asks Bubby not to tell her parents, and Bubby tells her granddaughter to let them know when she is ready. Then they go to Hanukkah on the rocks and have a drink!
With Hanukkah and the movie wrapping up, Jay and Tori need to be honest with their loved ones and each other. Too bad their secrets are revealed before they are ready. Tori’s parents are hurt, and Jay is furious that Tori and Marc Summers kept his ownership of the building from everyone. (I just assumed at the top!)
Marc Summer takes Jay and Tori aside. He bought the building because it meant a lot to him; it is where he met his wife and raised his family. HE feels like Tori and Jay were destined to meet at the bar, too. (Marc Summers can act? Who knew!)
Everything works out! Tori and Jay make out! The end!
Side Note/Stray Thoughts
Does Marc Summers Double Dare someone to do something? You bet your ass he does.
Overall rating
Pour it up
Put a Cork in It
Christmas Feels
🕎 🕎 🕎 🕎 🕎 (5 Menorahs)
Enjoyment Level: 🍷🍷🍷 (3 glasses of wine.)
What did you think of the movie? Let me know in the comments or on social media @LifetimeUncorked
📺. Stream/Watch the Movie (Ad): Stream this movie now with Philo w/ Deck The Hallmark
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*Photo Credit: © 2024 Hallmark
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