Here at New Times, we're accustomed to getting comments on our blog, invitations from PR flacks, and queries from friends wondering whether the food critic might be a tad lonely and need a companion for dinner. But it's not every day that a reader sits down to write a full-fledged literary criticism/rebuttal to a restaurant review.
A gentleman tried to post the following as a comment but had technical difficulties, so he asked me to put it up instead. What the hell -- it can have its own post.
He was responding to this article about a writer's quest for a great Jewish deli.
SUBJECT: Pastrami Wars
LETTER:I tried to submit a response. it doesn't seem like it got through, could you please post?
First you are right, every spot has its shortcomings and long suits. Most likely no way can you find out the hidden treasures or hidden disasters in one sitting.
Zingers:
You take on Zingers with your first meal. The matzo ball soup comment could have been phrased as such: "The Matzo Ball was large enough for a full meal and dominated the cup it came in and because the broth was salty, it gave the Matzo Ball great flavor. I will spend an extra penny next time and try ordering a Bowl, which I expect to share."
You made a point to harp on the broth and never mentioned the number ofqualities a matzo ball has. Zingers does a good job in the kitchen and
the Matzo ball is no exception.
Your Rachel comment spoke highly of the pastrami and corned beef.
Spending money to eat at a deli doesn't need to go further than, "I
liked the pastrami and corned beef." Your story title speaks of this
importance. If you would have mentioned that the sides seemed plain
first, and that you enjoyed the meats last, your readers would be more
inclined to try Zingers and you would have gotten your point across just
the same.
What you left off about Zinger's is this:
1. The portions are healthy sized.
2. The lunch specials include 3 different wraps on 3 different wrappings
with a beverage, best taste and deal to be enjoyed. And a brisket
sandwich with beverage is often a part of the lunch specials.
3. Not on the menu, half sandwich and cup of soup, good choice.
4. Ask for your Pastrami lean, mmmmmmmm good.
5. Their TV's do add to the lack of atmosphere.
6. As you mention on the fringe, there is an undercurrent of expertise
and desire to get the main dish right, not often mastered at many
eateries.
If management pays a bit more attention as you eluted, when mentioning
the sides, and to its customers, this joint can go from an undiscovered
belly pleaser into a line waiting out the door kind of success.
Ben's
You lead into the Matzo ball soup with a comment stating the place
seemed too corporate to produce good food, and then say the soup changed
your mind, but I feel your comments were not complimentary on the soup?
You stick to the broth being the soup's biggest feature. I still contend
it is the matzo ball in the dish called matzo ball soup and its
presentation.
You say the matzo ball looked lonely and I agree. It is a wide bowl and
the presentation looks bland. Although the staff is not opposed to
giving you a slice of rye bread to give the matzo ball some company, it
isn't provided and the absence of a Wolfie's-similar basket of assorted
rolls definitely comes into to play here.
You next mention the 2 balabusta-ing deli meats of Pastrami and Corned
Beef. Your lead to the article said, "Where do I suggest people go for
corned beef since Wolfie's is gone?" Your comment about Ben's meats,
"Wolfie's comparable."
Whether you know it or not, you said a "mouthful." Ben's offers the best
Pastrami in south Florida, no ifs ands or buts, kind of the answer to
your quest.
Although I felt you happen stanced their reference within your story,
you hit it on the head by putting a picture of Ben's pastrami in the
article saying it is a "hit."
Your final comments center around Ben's failures. Potato pancakes -- now this is a subject for a book to be written.
If you ever had them made by your grandmother, anyone else's would have a
tough time living up to that memory. That said, I find most delis do
not pay attention to the delicate delicacy potato pancakes are supposed
to be. Such a sad commentary.
No matter how much Ben fails, and I agree that it does, their pastrami
is to die for. Did I already say that?
I believe the establishment's shortcomings are derived from 2 areas.
These are New Yorkers and they aren't interested in your opinions.
(Although they don't have to be from NY to have that marvelous trait.)
And, what you left out that may get them a small class of devoted
customers is, the restaurant observes Kosher cooking. Many many recipes
cannot be duplicated on premises. This is not to say Kosher cooking is
bland, but when you have to compensate for this specialty, more
attention needs be included in the preparation of their dishes, i.e,
their Matzo ball soup dish. Challah for one is basically only offered on
Friday, yet if placed on the table daily, the rigid failures would have
an easier time becoming culinary daydreams.
PS: I just discovered maybe the best waiter on this planet. He handles
tables that are situated surrounding the hostess, good luck.
Flakowitz
You are absolutely right about the Maître d, he is great, but the
corollary isn't, if someone else is watching the house, watch your back.
Your dinner rolls with a free drink sound great, I'll be right over!
What I can add is the breakfasts come with free pound cake.
Your review of their menu, which seemed more extensive than the prior 2
stops, did not get me all warm and fuzzy? Further stating that a
smothered with other ingredient pastrami tasted ok?
Flakowitz has a gold mine in Boynton, because they were there first, not
because of the cuisine. Management has a tough time 'catering" to its
customers, but Boynton is growing fast and putting the customer first
will either become a top priority or other new establishments will
benefit.
BTW, The bakery is top notch!
General thoughts:
Although you make the proper play to compare each restaurant's dishes
like the Matzo ball soup, not comparing straight out Pastrami and Corned
beef sandwiches may have been a mistake. A Rachel is the kitchen sink
of sandwiches -- that makes it very tricky to comment on a particular
ingredient from the sandwich, as it is being influenced by the other
players, and handicapping Pastrami cannot be taken lightly, if you are
going to eat deli.
Matzo ball soup is prepared best at Toojays. If these 3 joints would
check this competition out, the game could become more enjoyable. ...
Toojays also hits a home run with their rye bread, best in town.
On an editorial point, pointing out likes and dislikes are what reviews
are all about, by the way you presented each establishment, I don't feel
tempted to try any of them. I hope I have given you some ideas on how
to not only please the readers, and please the targets, but possibly
also be pleased with potential advertising your concern wouldn't mind
having as an outcome.
Happy Day
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