Save the Deli: In Search of Perfect Pastrami, Crusty Rye, and the Heart of Jewish Delicatessen
by David Sax
book data
16 ratings,
3.62
average rating, 8 reviews
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published
October 19th 2009
by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
details
Hardcover, 336 pages
isbn
0151013845
(isbn13: 9780151013845)
description
Part culinary travelogue, part cultural history, Save the Deli is a must-read for anyone whose idea of perfect happiness is tucking into a pastrami on…more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 69)
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5 stars (2)
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4 stars (7)
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3 stars (6)
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2 stars (1)
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1 star (0)
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avg 3.62
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in December, 2009
I could also see giving this 4 stars, but I am feeling cheap.
This was an interesting book to read as a vegetarian--I generally have little use for delis, especially kosher ones, and I kept reading descriptions of food, aware that they were supposed to be appetizing, but instead basically being grossed out. But it also was a fascinating look into a culinary institution. The author loves deli the way that I love New Haven pizza and I can respect that, a lot. And it took me back to t...more
This was an interesting book to read as a vegetarian--I generally have little use for delis, especially kosher ones, and I kept reading descriptions of food, aware that they were supposed to be appetizing, but instead basically being grossed out. But it also was a fascinating look into a culinary institution. The author loves deli the way that I love New Haven pizza and I can respect that, a lot. And it took me back to t...more
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Read in January, 2010
I really enjoyed the book, which is a history/travelogue of "real" delis past and present, in this country and elsewhere. (A real deli is family-owned and -run, with countermen who fresh-slice pastrami, etc. to order, and that draws on Jewish culinary traditions.) The author is more than a little obsessed, and at times the writing is a little rough - but his heart, and his passion, are 100 percent behind the Jewish delis of this world, which he sees as a repository and a map of the cu...more
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Read in March, 2010
Canadian Sax puts together a lot of information and a lot of love, as he gives the history of the Jewish-American delicatessen, whether Kosher or not, and combines it with a tour of selected United States and Canadian locations and a foray into Europe for their take on delis. He also discusses the forces that are combining to destroy delis all over the country.
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Read in January, 2010
Fun, passionate read. I'll forgive him for ignoring my section of the country (and regretting not going to the wrong place when he does - there is MUCH better brisket and corned beef and pastrami and knishes down the street) for what he says about elsewhere. Um, don't read this one while hungry or in a state where hungry is a possibility.
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Read in January, 2010
This is a great book about the history of Jewish delis in America, with some side trips across the globe. David Sax is witty, passionate and dedicated to deli, which makes for an engrossing and educational read. The book is also a small guide to Jewish culture and is filled with yiddish!
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Read in March, 2010
I don't live in a deli town and I am not Jewish so I don't have a deep personal history in New York Deli. Even so, Sax really makes you salivate for the traditional flavors of "Jewish" deli across NYC, the US, and the World. I could almost give this book 4 stars, but I found that occasionally the book felt a bit repetitive (there are only so many ways can you describe a kreplach or matzo ball soup). Very well researched and an interesting read- especially if you love pastrami!
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Jan 02, 2010
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I'm slowly making my way through this one...problem is after every chapter, I want either a pastrami on rye or chopped liver or smoked meat. Mmm, mmm, good.
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