Let's start with how there is a deli on EVERY corner. I wish I could say I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. Kosher delicatessens are a Long Island commodity, serving the staple hot pastrami sandwich on rye with spicy mustard. These delis specialize in Italian and German cuisine, as Germans predominately owned and operated NY delis until the late 1800s. When Jewish immigration to NY began in the 1880s, kosher delis began to change the deli-type similar to what one would experience today. The meat and cheeses are always freshly sliced. Not only do these delis serve fresh sandwiches, deli-style salads, as well as hot prepared food items, many are mini-grocery stores. Frequently there will be refrigerators stocked with staple items, such as milk, eggs, and vegetables.
Be prepared, though. When you walk into the deli, you will be faced with a daunting menu that seems to have any and every sandwich you ever desired. If you want to immediately identify yourself as a "non-New Yorker," stand and read the menu. Then, when they ask what you would like and don't have an immediate answer, be prepared for impatience. If you go during lunch hours, nobody orders a menu item: almost everyone knows exactly what they want, which most frequently includes a "chicken cutlet on a hero." The lesson learned (very quickly) is know exactly what you are in the mood for, and just ask for exactly what you want instead of trying to pick something off of the menu. The workers and other customers will appreciate it.
Be prepared, though. When you walk into the deli, you will be faced with a daunting menu that seems to have any and every sandwich you ever desired. If you want to immediately identify yourself as a "non-New Yorker," stand and read the menu. Then, when they ask what you would like and don't have an immediate answer, be prepared for impatience. If you go during lunch hours, nobody orders a menu item: almost everyone knows exactly what they want, which most frequently includes a "chicken cutlet on a hero." The lesson learned (very quickly) is know exactly what you are in the mood for, and just ask for exactly what you want instead of trying to pick something off of the menu. The workers and other customers will appreciate it.
New York is known (and brags) about a lot of different foods that they just "do better". Among this list includes falafel, pizza, delis and bagels, cheesecake, and more. I've come to find out that not only do they have a right to boast about these, but also that each has a rich history and cultural roots.
"Let's go grab a slice!" Don't forget the pizza! Pizza on Long Island (and in NY in general) is very different than anything I've seen before. There almost deli-style or grocery store prepared-counter style. You walk in and there's usually countless options. You pick which slice(s) of which pizza you would like, then they warm it up in the oven, and serve it over-the-counter style. Cheesecake, cannolis, cookies, cake galore. The baked goods from the Italian-style bakeries are like nothing I've tasted before. Each bakery prides themselves on using recipes passed down through generations of family. |
Italian culture is very visible and prevalent on Long Island. Italian individuals and families can be heard on the streets, at the beach, in stores...anywhere. Approximately 700,000 Italian-Americans reside in Long Island, which is the largest population outside of Italy. This dense culture is represented by the abundance of Italian cuisine options. From family restaurants and bakeries to pizza places, Italian cuisine is a dominating piece of Long Island culture. | |
For more in-depth information, the following pages were very interesting and informative.
Delicatessen history
Delicatessen history