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Employees wait for sandwich orders at Mensch\u2019s Deli, 1608 Chicago Ave. in Evanston. Credit: Julie Chernoff<\/p>\nMany people associate Jewish delis with New York City, but according to authors Neal Samors and Eric Bronsky, Chicago has a rich deli tradition of its own that they aim to preserve in their new book \u201cCorned Beef on Rye: Remembering Chicago\u2019s Jewish Delis.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pair celebrated the release of the book with a \u201cmeet the authors\u201d event Wednesday at Mensch\u2019s Deli in Evanston. The book is currently available for purchase exclusively through Amazon.<\/p>\n
Samors and Bronsky first met 22 years ago and have co-authored four books, all focused on Chicago history. Their latest project documents the memories and cultural significance of Jewish delis in the Chicagoland area.<\/p>\n
Typically, Jewish delis offer items such as corned beef, pastrami, beef brisket, lox, matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, latkes, kugel, and knishes \u2014 but the authors say that what makes Jewish delis unique extends beyond the food itself. <\/p>\n
\u201cPart of it is the food, part of it is the atmosphere, the camaraderie there,\u201d Bronsky said.<\/p>\n
The book includes a chapter exploring what sets Chicago\u2019s Jewish delis apart from those in other cities. While New York may be more closely associated with deli culture, Chicago developed its own traditions and iconic establishments.<\/p>\n
Among the best-known Jewish delis in the Chicagoland area are Manny\u2019s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, Max and Benny\u2019s and Mensch\u2019s Deli in Evanston.<\/p>\n
Employees wait for sandwich orders at Mensch\u2019s Deli, 1608 Chicago Ave. in Evanston. Credit: Julie Chernoff<\/p>\n
Traditional Jewish delis often featured a counter at the front, offered both dine-in and carry-out service and served as gathering places for families and neighbors. According to the authors, they played an especially important role during an era when fewer people owned cars and many relied on walking or public transportation.<\/p>\n
Samors recalled growing up in Rogers Park and visiting Ashkenaz Restaurant and Delicatessen, one of many neighborhood institutions that helped shape Chicago\u2019s Jewish community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was part of a whole multigenerational experience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Today, many surviving delis operate in a much more car-oriented culture. Over the years, Jewish delis have also expanded their menus beyond the traditional options to attract new customers.<\/p>\n
The authors say that shift has changed some aspects of the deli experience, though many establishments still serve as important community gathering places.<\/p>\n
\u201cLots of people think of lox and bagels with cream cheese, but it\u2019s so much more than that,\u201d Samors said.<\/p>\n
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