[rating=5]Why can’t a deli be more like a restaurant? A question that has been at the back of my mind for decades. Growing up, if we went to a deli, there was a counter where we could see fish and meat. We could see sides and of course, bins of bagels lined the back wall. There were also barrels of pickles in their brine and of course the “fridge” where we could grab the cream cheese and other items for our Sunday breakfast or lunch or in fact, “brunch” with the family. The world has changed in many ways, and it appears that a deli no longer has to be “just a deli”, but in fact, an actual sit-down restaurant with no counters, just great food and marvelous service.
Today, Jane and I went to meet with our kids in Oak Park, just west of the city in a new deli, Fritzi’s Delicatessen located at 113 N. Oak Park Avenue. Owner, Paul Stern with loads of
restaurant expertise decided that his hometown needed what he missed more than anything, “A great deli” for the family. Based on our experience, I must say, his recipe for success is easy to see. If you remember the line in “Field of Dreams”, “If you build it, they will come”, referring to the baseball field on a farm, the same line works here. From the time we entered the deli at 11 a.m. ( opening time) the people just kept flowing in and the staff Star and Anthony, made certain that there were smiles everywhere!
There are zero showcases. Lots of tables on two levels and if you sit on the main floor near the windows, on a blustery day like today, they can open the windows ( they have screens) and feel that you are dining el fresco. Star brought us the menu, and it is very different. It is designed for the table to fill in what they want with all the details so that the server can check it out and then deliver it to the kitchen, making it an easy transition and allowing every diner to get their meal exactly as they want it.
In order to get a great sampling of their menu, we ordered five items. I am the only Borscht lover and the beets, as I am told , are quite healthy. I added the sour cream ( as I have done for 60 some years) and enjoyed one of the best
bowls of borscht in eons.
The sandwiches ordered were Corned Beef on rye bread, Turkey and cheese on a plain bagel, Nova Lox on a bagel and white fish salad on a toasted veggie bagel. The potato salad was divine.and came with both the turkey and corned beef sandwiches. We also had some of the other sides: Jerusalem Pepper Salad, Farmer’s Chop Suey, deli slaw, potato kugel, Tzimmes, chopped chicken liver with matzah, and a few other surprises.
They also brought us a dessert platter that would delight any sweet tooth. Of course, the true mark of a deli is the Black & White Cookie ( which in reality is brown and white). This was perfect and worth the trip to pick up some when entertaining. On the platter, next to a plate containing a marvelous slice of chocolate cake, wee items that represent all things “Jewish” that should be found in a deli including strudel and a “Bread Pudding with a banana that is to die for”.
Everything is home made and prepared on premise. Their items are quite flavorful and portions are more than ample ( leftovers, tomorrow!).
If you are missing the good old days of the local deli, I can tell you that a trip to Oak Park will allow you the flavors of your past, whether you dine in or dine at home. Oak Park is very easy to get to and in reality is only a short trip from the Loop. You can take the Metra “L’ and walk a bit. By the way, the area around Fritzi’s has some great little shops where you can buy local and at the same time get great bargains.
Frtitzi’s is great for family get-togethers, celebrations, and just a wonderful dining experience. I know that my family felt quite at home dining there today and I plan on going back…often!
Fritzi’s Delicatessen is located at 113 N. Oak Park Avenue ( just south of Lake Street) in Oak Park. The hours are
Tuesday- Saturday 11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Sundays 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
CLOSED MONDAYS
708-613-4760
You can order for delivery or ask about catering as well.
NOTE:
Description
Tzimmes, or tsimmes, is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish stew typically made from carrots and dried fruits such as prunes or raisins, often combined with other root vegetables. Tzimmes is often part of the Rosh Hashanah meal, when it is traditional to eat sweet and honey-flavored dishes. Some cooks add chunks of meat.
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