Save the Deli: In Search of Perfect Pastrami, Crusty Rye, and the Heart of Jewish Delicatessen

By David Sax

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 rye with a pickle on the side

Corned beef. Pastrami. Brisket. Matzo balls. Knishes. Mustard and rye. In this book about Jewish delicatessens, about deli’s history and characters, its greatest triumphs, spectacular failures, and ultimately the very future of its existence, David Sax goes deep into the world of the Jewish deli. He explores the histories and experiences of the immigrant counterman and kvetching customer; examines the pressures that many delis face; and enjoys the food that is deli’s signature.

In New York and Chicago, Florida, L.A., Montreal, Toronto, Paris, and beyond, Sax strives to answer the question, Can Jewish deli thrive, and if so, how? Funny, poignant, and impeccably written, Save the Deli is the story of one man’s search to save a defining element of a culture — and the sandwiches — he loves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 4, 2011
• ISBN: 9781551995830

Reviews for Save the Deli

[bostonian71 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining, funny and enlightening history of and love letter to the Jewish deli. Sax not only provides a survey of various communities' deli scenes, but clearly dissects the characteristics of each place -- economic, demographic, cultural -- that have led to the decline of deli in some areas and the survival of it in others. His humor and his passion for the culture and cuisine of his Ashkenazi ancestors shine through on every page, making this a worthwhile read for anyone who cares about Jewish food.

[simchaboston · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining, funny and enlightening history of and love letter to the Jewish deli. Sax not only provides a survey of various communities' deli scenes, but clearly dissects the characteristics of each place -- economic, demographic, cultural -- that have led to the decline of deli in some areas and the survival of it in others. His humor and his passion for the culture and cuisine of his Ashkenazi ancestors shine through on every page, making this a worthwhile read for anyone who cares about Jewish food.

[newsieq · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

David Sax takes readers all over the world to discover Jewish delicatessens: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Mostly the good. He details their histories, their owners, their suppliers, their menus, their customers. Appendices include a Food and Yiddish appendix and a Listing of Delis. A book to keep on the reference shelf. It was all quite fascinating.Mr. Sax’s main purpose is, as his title says, is to “save the deli.” Like many other mom-and-pop businesses, the Jewish deli is in jeopardy. Skyrocketing rents, a dwindling audience, competition from corporate and franchise delis are forcing many Jewish delis to close. David Sax makes readers care about that and want to do something. And it’s something that’s easy and exceedingly pleasant to do.