Corned Beef on Rye: Remembering Chicago's Jewish Delicatessens

This book celebrates the iconic Jewish delis that helped define Chicago's culinary and cultural image and weaves together nostalgic recollections and in-depth interviews with more than a dozen food experts and deli owners and comparisons between Chicago's beloved institutions and those in New York City. There are sections of the book dedicated to remembering the delis across Chicago that flourished during the 20th Century and those which dominate the deli dining experience today. Interviewees in the book range from Rich Melman of Lettuce Entertain You, Marc Schulman of Eli's Cheesecake, Ken Raskin of Manny's, businessman and restaurateur Larry Levy, Marvin Barsky of the Bagel, Lester and Ben Schlan and Richard Reeder of Max and Benny's, Adam Dlatt and Steve Geffen of Once Upon A Bagel, singer Ronnie Rice, and broadcaster Bob Sirott, to chef and restaurateur Ina Pinkney, journalist and food reporter Steve Dolinsky, Bette Dworkin of Kaufman's, and Ted Merwin, author of Pastrami On Rye. The book is illustrated with an abundance of black & white and color photos and memorabilia and captures the appeal of overstuffed sandwiches, schmears and storytelling that made these delis more than just eateries--they were community gathering places and keepers of tradition. Read more