"Deli Man" (movie critique)

DELI MAN
MOVIE POSTER

The Travelling Toe in full disclosure must reveal that she has a dear friend who lives in (gasp) Dallas.   So The Travelling Toe, taking life in hand, drove the Dallas highways and byways to meet dear friend for lunch and a movie.  The movie we saw, "Deli Man" at the Angelika Dallas location, is actually a documentary on the deli business.

Deli Man

The film is about the migration of the Jewish immigrants who came from Germany and Eastern Europe and established neighborhood delicatessens.  It also discussed the type of foods that were served and how they came to be part of the deli food culture.  At one time there were several thousand delis in New York alone. Now, according to the movie, there are only a total of 150 in all of North American.

The film interviewed current deli owners and they gave their views on what is like owning a deli what they issues they faced on a daily basis and the Jewish experience  that surrounded the deli culture.

One of the main focuses of the story was a young man, by the name of Ziggy Gruber.   He  grew up in New York working along side his grandfather in the family deli.  Ziggy knew from a young age that he wanted to be a chef and even at one time attended a professional culinary institution in London before returning home to work in the family deli.  

Ziggy Gruber
Kenny and Ziggy's Deli

Ziggy Gruber on Facebook

Ziggy decided to strike out on his own and eventually opened a deli in Houston, Texas - of all places.   But it has been very successful and part of that success has to do with Ziggy's larger than life persona.  He loves the deli business and ensures that his customers get the best food and the best service.  His deli in Houston is called Kenny and Ziggy's Deli.

Kenny and Ziggy's Deli

The Travelling Toe and dear friend were glad they had dined before the movie, because had we waited we would have gorged on any food available after seeing all those sandwiches piled high with meat, french toast, huge pickles, mounds of french fries and other deli goodies.  It was food paradise.

Road Trip to Houston anyone???????

The Travelling Toe gives this movie 2 toes up with a side of coleslaw.

Disclaimer:  The Travelling Toe is not a professional movie or food critic and any opinions expressed for entertainment purposes only.