Over the years, I have had many revelations at the Deli counter. Fantastic Kosher deli food in America has it's epicurean roots in the lower East Side of New York City and an amazing hot corned beef sandwich with a spicy mustard is a right of passage. Didn't you just love the movie "Crossing Delancy?" We learned that the Pickle man was a good catch and that Jewish soul food could share the spotlight with Amy Irving.
While a trip to the famed Carnegie Deli is always a worthy part of a Guilty Pleasure excurison to Manhattan, we have many fantastic Deli's in Philadelphia that are also desrving of recognition. GrubStreet Philadelphia is a terrific online resource and they always have a good opinion on where to dine. Here is their take on the local corned beef landscape.
"Here in Philadelphia, the deli question's an interesting one. We're going to take the contrarian view and say the best Jewish deli sandwich in Philly, bar none, is the Restaurant School special at Koch's Deli. For a little under $10, you get corned beef, honey turkey, brisket, hot pepper cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing on rye. The sandwich is a killer — and it's great.
Then there are other Jewish delis. Famous Fourth Street Delicatessen, Steve Stein's Famous, Kibitz in the City, Hershel's in the Reading Terminal Market, Hymie's Merion Deli and all the other suburban outposts...."
If you are going to New York City, you might want to check out the New York Times, NYC dining guru Frank Bruni pursuit of corned beef nirvana. There's more to sample in the Big Apple than just the Carnegie Deli. Bruni recently reviewed the new 2nd Avenue Deli. In his Diner's Journal blog, Bruni followed it up with an eloquent rant on Jewish Deli food and tradition.
