Iconic New York Jewish Food: A History and Guide with Recipes

by June Hersh

Take a culinary journey through the foods, restaurants and businesses that define the cuisine of New York City and the Jewish immigrant experience...
No trip to New York's five boroughs is complete without a hand sliced pastrami sandwich at Katz' deli or a bagel and lox with a schmear of cream cheese from Russ and Daughters. Any true New Yorker can tell you where to get the savoriest bowl of matzo ball soup or the crispest kosher dill pickle. Manischewitz wine became the icon it is today after Sammy Davis Jr. became its offical spokesperson. Join author June Hersh as she reveals the iconic Jewish foods, establishments and products that left their imprint on the taste buds of New Yorkers and the world.

Genres: Judaism, Food, Cookbooks

192 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2023

Reviews

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a culinary journey through New York's most crave-worthy foods, viewed through the lens of the Jewish immigrant experience. It features "Food, Hope & Resilience," a vital collection of over 100 Holocaust survival stories alongside the recipes shared by those who lived them. The narrative explores the connections between food, history, memory, philanthropy, and Jewish heritage, highlighting how food serves as an unbreakable bond between the past and the present.

These remarkable stories demonstrate resilience and hope, showcasing individuals who transformed tragedy into triumph. The book celebrates their survival and thriving spirits, illustrating how food connected them to happier times. Ultimately, it emphasizes that food is a lasting link between the past and the future. The core mission of this book is to preserve culinary memories and honor the legacy of Holocaust survivors through the foods they cherished and prepared.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it! A deliciously written book, including a pun filled text, that makes you hungry and teaches you about the history of New York Jewish food. The author uses a great sense of humor with a tongue in cheek tone, to introduce you to some of the fun characters who helped bring foods to New York, or make them popular. As a non-New Yorker, it just makes me want to go back and visit again and again.

[Eva-Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the history and recipes. Living in California I miss the real New York deli of my youth. Not quite the same here. Tried a few if the recipes. I was able to visit some of the lower East side eateries and stores.