Watch Deli Man

Deli Man is a 2014 documentary film that explores the world of delicatessens and delicatessen culture in America. Directed by Erik Greenberg Anjou, the film features interviews with deli owners, food historians, and enthusiasts, including celebrity customers such as Larry King, Jerry Stiller, and Alan Dershowitz. The movie follows Ziggy Gruber, the third-generation owner of Kenny & Ziggy's Delicatessen in Houston, Texas. Ziggy is passionate about the deli business and shares his knowledge and love of Jewish cuisine with the viewers.

Through interviews and historical footage, the film shows the evolution of delicatessens in America, from the early days of Jewish immigrants in New York City to their spread throughout the country. Deli Man examines how the deli became a cultural institution in America and examines the factors that have led to its decline in recent decades.

The film explores the range of Jewish cuisine, including the traditional Ashkenazi dishes such as pastrami, corned beef, and knishes, but also features delis that serve Sephardic and Israeli dishes. The documentary highlights the importance of food in Jewish culture and the role that the deli has played in preserving this culinary heritage.

Deli Man captures the essence of the deli experience, from the warm atmosphere to the traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. The movie also reveals the personalities behind the delis, from the eccentric owners to the colorful regulars.

The film devotes a significant portion of its runtime to the history of Jewish deli culture in America. It discusses the early days of Jewish immigration to the United States and how the delicatessen emerged as a response to the needs of the immigrant communities. The documentary then follows the evolution of the deli as it spread beyond the Jewish communities and became a part of mainstream American culture.

The movie also examines the challenges facing the deli industry today. It discusses the rising costs of ingredients, competition from other types of restaurants, and the difficulty of finding skilled workers to make traditional deli dishes.

Throughout the documentary, Ziggy acts as a guide to the world of the deli, sharing his insights and passion for the cuisine. He discusses the importance of using quality ingredients, such as hand-cut pastrami and pickles made from scratch, and shares some of his family's traditional recipes.

Deli Man is a heartfelt tribute to a beloved American institution. The film captures not only the flavors and aromas of traditional Jewish deli food but also the sense of community and nostalgia that surrounds these institutions. It's an excellent documentary for food lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in the cultural heritage of American cuisine.

In conclusion, Deli Man is a documentary that explores the history and culture of the Jewish delicatessen in America. The film celebrates the culinary heritage of these institutions and the personalities behind them, while also discussing the challenges facing the industry today. It's an excellent documentary that is both informative and entertaining, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of food and culture.

Deli Man is a 2015 documentary. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 62.