Where have all the delis gone?

I grew up in Chicago. Back in my day, every neighborhood that had a Jewish population had a deli- a delicatessen that had both a sit-down restaurant and of course the counter where one could buy the cold cuts, side dishes, bagels and everything else needed for a typical Sunday in the Jewish household. Names like Ashkenaz, Friedman’s, Roberts, The Bagel and a host of others. In some areas they were names like Selma’s, Jack’, Moishe’s and a name that stands out in Chicago, Manny’s ( still going strong).

Over the years, with more people moving from the city to the suburbs, many of the names of the past are gone. Yes, there are still deli’s but sine neighborhoods are not as they were, more are in the suburbs, changing our way of life. Don’t get me wrong. They are there, we need to search a little harder in order to capture that flavors of our past. The Bagel is still around. While the original on Kedzie and Lawrence is long gone as is the Devon Avenue location and the Old Orchard, they are still on Broadway- still good food and humongous portions.

In Chicago, on the north side , ast 5501 N. Clark Street, in what appears to be a pharmacy is J.B. , a deli in a drug store- great food. I always say, do not judge a book by its cover- just because it doesn’t appear to be a deli, doesn’t mean the deli inside is not as close to your memory as it is to mine.

There are also a few deli’s in the Hyde Park area and of course several “once up a Bagel” shops ( also known as Once Upon A Deli). They are good. The atmosphere in a typical deli is fun. The food is what you are there for, but why not have some fun with the “counter-man”. This is the rare creature that God created to torment you while you are picking out your bagel, your shmear and every other item that will be discussed as you pick and they convince you that you made the wrong selection.

There are also many family restaurants that have deli items and do specials for the Jewish holidays, but they are not true delis, they are dining restaurants that offer deli foods. Whel I say Deli, I mean a place where you can buy all the items that you need for a Sunday brunch or lunch with the family- a true delicatessen.

Up in our area there are two deli’s that confuse many customers. One is Max & Bennys and the other Max’s Deli. They are not connected and in fact, while they are close to each other in proximity, far apart in deli. I prefer Max’s. Host Joey is a fun loving young man who is great with his shtick. He is funny, sarcastic and the perfect deli counter many, but in his case, his humor spills over to the entire restaurant and its dining room. They have by far the best salami omelet in the Chicago area. I love his slogan- “We’re Italian Jews. Which means, besides bickering… we’re into food!” Ture, they are!

Max’s Deli is located at 191 Skokie Blvd in Highland Park ( just north of Lake Cook Road). Phone number is 847-831-0600

they are open everyday 9 a.m.- 7 p.m.  www.maxs-deli.com