Jewish "Deli Summit" in Berkeley debates the future of the giant pastrami sandwich

[The Straight Story]

Jewish "Deli Summit" in Berkeley debates the future of the giant pastrami sandwich

A man walks into a Jewish deli and doesn't come out with a giant pastrami sandwich.

That's no joke, in more ways than one, because in this modern, organic, smaller-portioned, locally sourced, sustainable, artisanal pickle world, a bigger-than-your-head sandwich burgeoning with fatty cured meats of unknown origin just doesn't cut the muster -- or the mustard, as the case may be -- anymore.

So say organizers of the slightly tongue-in-cheek National Jewish Deli Summit to be held Thursday in Berkeley. The theme is "Renaissance? Or 'not real' deli?" It's open to the public at the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, but it primarily will be stuffed with renegade deli owners from across the country talking about meaningful life-altering issues facing traditional Jewish delis, and how they think the sacred whitefish-salad sanctuary must to evolve in the 21st century.

....

"There's an old guard that says 'grass-fed' and 'deli' don't belong in the same sentence," said Karen Adelman, co-owner of Saul's Restaurant & Deli in Berkeley, which is hosting the event. "Even for people who care about sustainability and healthful foods, it seems the Jewish deli has always been some sort of refuge from consciousness about what you're eating.

"But things are changing," she said. "We're moving away from the totally meat-centered giant sandwich. People aren't eating that anymore."

http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_18089575

First they came for the happy meals, now delis... :)

[leveymg]

1. They can take some meat out of the sandwich. But, please, don't shrink my pickle!

:evilgrin: "And, hold the mayo."

[Seedersandleechers]

2. "People aren't eating that anymore"

Been to Katz in NYC recently? Lots of people eating the corned beef sandwich. Yummm!