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Save the Deli: In Search of Perfect Pastrami, Crusty Rye, and the Heart of Jewish Delicatessen
by
David Sax
David Sax's delightful travelogue is a journey across the United States and around the world that investigates the history, the diaspora, and the next generation of delicatessen.
Hardcover, 336 pages
Published
October 19th 2009
by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
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A "world's foremost expert on delicatessen" -- I'm not sure what his qualifications are, beyond an obvious enthusiasm -- explores the history of the Jewish delicatessen, eating his way through as many delis as he can find around the world. Not a good book to read while hungry, since it makes you crave pastrami.
Aside from that flaw, the book is breezy and informative. There's enough economics in there to explain while the classic Jewish deli is a rare sight these days (short...more
Aside from that flaw, the book is breezy and informative. There's enough economics in there to explain while the classic Jewish deli is a rare sight these days (short...more
On my first trip to NYC, my husband and I ate deli twice—Artie’s and Ben’s. We could not wait; there is nothing like it in the Twin Cities. Little did we know that the Jewish delicatessen is dying.
That’s right: according to Sax, delis have been closing in large numbers over the years. I guess it’s tough to get a good pastrami sandwich anywhere, not just Minnesota. So, our intrepid author tackles the dilemma of the dying deli and travels across North America (and even Europe) t...more
That’s right: according to Sax, delis have been closing in large numbers over the years. I guess it’s tough to get a good pastrami sandwich anywhere, not just Minnesota. So, our intrepid author tackles the dilemma of the dying deli and travels across North America (and even Europe) t...more
It's a testament to David Sax's writing that I finished this book since it is the most meat-centric thing I have ever read. I had a kind of idea going into it, as its subtitle includes the words "perfect pastrami." Sax spends a lot of time discussing the intricacies of pastrami, corned beef, salted meat, smoked meat, salami, schmaltz, you get the idea. And he eats a ton of it. However, beyond that part of the book, there is a lot to learn and enjoy. I learned about Jewish/Yiddish...more
This is the last book that I have read and I thorougly enjoyed it. I guess that was because I couuld identify. Although Pastrami wasnt my favorite I did chase a good corned beef sandwiche at quite aa few deli's in my day. As I recall I never visited any of the deli's in the book with the exception of the ones in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, I still enoyed reading about Sax's experiences, The book was funny and poignant at the same time. It was a good summer read and well worth the time. I was...more
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
I strongly enjoyed this book. David Sax did an amazing job of putting history and feeling into this book. It isn't a novel, for me, it was just like ready a documentary instead of watching one. I'll be completely honest and say that I love the "Deli." From where I reside now, I can't get much of that whenever I please. Half of the time, people and classmates don't even know what I'm talking about when I discuss the craving of my pastrami on rye with a can of Dr. Brown. Anyways, this b...more
After 264 pages of MONOTONOUSLY detailing the demise of delis nationally and globally due to soaring rents, shifting demographics, preferences for healthier foods, the younger Jewish generation not eating traditionally… I cannot adequately express my complete surprise when straight out of left field Sax concludes that the “Nazi destruction of the Yiddish world…above all else, was the reason that the deli was dying.” (265) I guess that was easier than tying together the content of the book to dra...more
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
This book is a delightful trip around the world of deli. Growing up in a large Jewish family, we would often have family birthday parties and celebrations at delis, and I've grown up loving deli food. I definitely want to visit some of the delis mentioned (the listing at the end of the book is quite helpful). I also laughed at the glossary of terms. My mom and I particularly got a kick out of the definition for white bread.
As someone raised in the semi-rural South and a former resident of the very rural South, I have eaten what some would call strange things over the years. It's just what we do. So I couldn't very well draw back in too much horror over some things I discovered are traditional Jewish fare. Anyway, excellent read, awesome research, would definitely recommend it....but tongue?? sorry, no. lol
Jason Tham
added it
This book was a great mix of sociology and foodieology (whatever the actual appropriate word to describe that is). While I found the history of the Jewish deli to be fascinating, I must warn you, read this book on a full stomach. Sax is a little too good at describing Jewish deli, so much so that I found myself hungry unless I had eaten just before picking it up.
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.
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.
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!
Fun book about the culture of Jewish deli. Big personalities meet big appetites. Pastrami will definitely taste different from now on. Surprised Sax didn't hit Meyer's in Amsterdam and Israel's only mention was a throwaway line. Since publication there has been a minor deli revival. Interested in seeing where things are in another ten years.
"if the toilets dare exhibit a level of sanitation any less than a japanese nuclear plant, no Jew will ever eat there. Period."
in a word, awesome. and right before my trip to montreal, too. also given me a reason to want to visit friends in detroit, which is weird.
in a word, awesome. and right before my trip to montreal, too. also given me a reason to want to visit friends in detroit, which is weird.
Worth a read. Especially if you are Jewishly nostalgic/and or get sentimental about food. I laughed, I cried, I at pastrami for the first time.
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!
Nostalgic bit of Montreal Smoked Meat. GREAT!!!
This was great!
I love food so I really liked this book. I didn't know too much about deli food until I read this but now I definitely want to try a pastrami sandwich! I found the backgrounds of the various foods and the way they are made fascinating.
So, so - the story of the loss of real Jewish Delis. Sax travelled arond the country, but missed some big areas, like Boston - mmm- I can still picture (and smell) Jack and Marion's in Brookline when I was a kid. My folls would go on a Sunday afternoon for corned beef sandwiches! Interesting to note, though, that most Jewish style corned beef comes from one plant in the midwest!
Would have made a better long essay for the New Yorker than a book - too much repetition.
Would have made a better long essay for the New Yorker than a book - too much repetition.
Everything you wanted to know about real delis. A cross country trip and history of the deli. Makes you hungry!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I definitely had some moments when I wanted to drive somewhere to try some good deli fare. It is a bit disappointing to realize that the Jewish deli is at risk of completely disappearing. Let's Save the Deli!
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.
Greg
marked it as didn-t-finish
Was going well, but another patron wanted it, so I didn't get a chance to finish. Great subject matter.
Jeffrey
added it
A great read for New York lovers, deli lovers, and general food lovers.
penny roth
marked it as alphabetical
Good glatt deli is something I have never tried
A bit repetitive
P
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