Meet Me At The Deli

It's The Gefilte Manifesto anniversary episode!!! In 2016, Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz published The Gefilte Manifesto: New Recipes for Old World Jewish Foods, a cookbook that set out to do more than tell you how to make a proper matzo ball. It wanted to change the way we think about Ashkenazi Jewish food, one pickle, knish, and stuffed cabbage at a time. Ten years later, Liz and Jeffrey are looking back at the book that started it all: the recipes they’re still hearing about, the ones you’re sleeping on, and the ones that nearly broke them (looking at you, homemade pastrami and beet chocolate ice cream).But first, the war stories. From scrambling to cook dinner for 50 people in Palo Alto with practically no prep to having an entire cooking demo’s worth of ingredients accidentally thrown away, the road to cookbook publication was not exactly a walk in the park. There may or may not have been a little weed involved, too. (Liz has a confession to make.)Then, Liz and Jeffrey get into the big questions: Why write a book about gefilte fish if it’s not really a book about gefilte fish? How do you honor the past while making Jewish food feel fresh and relevant? And what does it mean to preserve a culinary tradition by actually getting your hands dirty? They revisit the recipes that became reader favorites, the ones that deserved more love, and the stories and people they wish they’d included.Plus, the secret to finding your voice as a cookbook author, the power of a good leftover, and a little love for former Meet Me at the Deli guest Leah Koenig. Ten years later, Liz and Jeffrey are still cooking, still kvetching (well, trying to), and still making the case that Jewish food is worth getting excited about.Pull up a chair in the deli booth. The pickles and slaw are always free.Chapters00:00 – Ten years of The Gefilte Manifesto03:30 – The Palo Alto pop-up from hell08:45 – The confession Liz has been holding onto for ten years09:30 – Why write a book about gefilte fish?13:30 – The origins of The Gefilteria and the Jewish food revival17:45 – From boutique gefilte fish to a cookbook manifesto23:15 – The recipes people can't stop talking about28:00 – The recipes you're sleeping on (and why you need to make those matzo balls)30:30 – The hardest recipes to develop35:50 – What they wish they'd done differently41:00 – What they're most proud of47:20 – Cooking for comfort, cookbook inspiration, and a shout-out to our friend Leah KoenigGot a burning food question? Send it our way! No question too absurd. You can submit questions through the link in the show notes, DM us on Instagram, or email podcast@heebmedia.com.Meet Me at the Deli is the food advice podcast hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria, where the pickles and slaw are always free. Listen every other Thursday wherever you get your podcasts.Produced by Felicia Reich. Edited by Eric Heifler.A podcast by Heeb Media, the subversive Jewish media platform. Circumcision not required.

The Deli Prince has entered the building!

With Jeffrey out of town, NYC-born comedian Willie Zabar pulls up a seat in the deli booth to dish with Liz. You may remember Willie from our live episode up in the Catskills at Borscht Belt Fest. Now he’s back for another round—and this time, yeah, we go there.

Is Jewish food the ultimate comfort food?

What are Willie and Liz's favorite Jewish meals?

Is it New York bagels or nowhere??

Tune in to find out!

Learn more about Willie: https://www.williezabar.com/

Follow Willie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williezabar/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@williezabar

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking? Submit your questions at http://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email mailto:podcast@gefilteria.com!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Visit us and donate to support the show at heebmedia.com.

This week, we’re talking baked goods with pastry chef and author Caroline Schiff, whose new cookbook, Daily Dessert: Treats on Repeat, is out October 13.

You might know Caroline as Pastry Schiff—and for good reason. A 2022 Food & Wine Best New Chef and former executive pastry chef at Brooklyn’s Gage & Tollner, Caroline became known for her craze-making Baked Alaska. Now she’s getting ready to open her own restaurant, Monday Diner, in Bushwick.

Liz and Jeffrey get into what it means to open a diner in—and for—a neighborhood's community, and how Caroline’s Jewish background will shape the menu. Which Jewish diner staples will make an appearance? What about pickle rye? And, most importantly: will there really be latkes all year round? (Yes.)

Listen in for a conversation about everyday sweets, Jewish food, diners, and the many ways baked goods bring people together. And pick up Caroline’s new cookbook, Daily Dessert: Treats on Repeat, here. https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/daily-dessert_9781419782879/

Learn more about Caroline: https://www.pastryschiff.com/

Show Notes:

Breads Bakery Babka: https://www.breadsbakery.com/menu/bakery/

Caroline's Latke Babka recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/savory-latke-babka-11863973

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking? Submit your questions at http://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email mailto:podcast@gefilteria.com!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Visit us and donate to support the show at heebmedia.com.

A mandel bread (brot?) by any other name… This week’s episode brings a special treat: cookbook author Leah Koenig, whose new book, “The Dessert Table: 100 Joyful Jewish Sweets”, landed on bookshelves everywhere last week! Leah joins Liz and Jeffrey just as the High Holiday season kicks off to discuss her brand new recipe collection, ways to go beyond the traditional apples and honey, and the perfect post-Yom Kippur break fast menu.

In this episode, we dive into the difference between mandel bread—mandel brot—and its Italian cousin biscotti, the spiritual, psychological, and culinary repercussions of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur starting so dang early this year, why Liz’s chiropractor keeps bringing her mandel bread, and the unfortunate (smelly) side-effects of opening past-due p’tcha inside the podcast studio.

Come for the can’t-miss creative spins on High Holiday favorites, pulled straight from the pages of Leah’s new cookbook; stay for the kvetches, kvells, and kibitzing from our two favorite experts from the Jewish food world.

Leah Koenig is a celebrated cookbook author, prolific food writer, and the voice behind the popular Substack, The Jewish Table. Leah has written for every major food publication from Food & Wine and Bon Appétit to The New York Times and Epicurious. “The Dessert Table” is Leah’s ninth book and is available now wherever books are sold.

Discover more about Leah and purchase her new book at http://leahkoenig.com/.

Show Notes:

Mandel bread reborn for a new generation… The modern mandel bread company Liz mentioned: Wandel (https://eatwandel.com/)

The cocktail jellies Jeffrey brought from his birthday fête to share: Solid Wiggles

More information about Toronto blueberry buns: http://joannathan.com/stritzlach-blueberry-buns/

Find Leah’s Toronto Blueberry Bun recipe in her book, “The Jewish Cookbook.”

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Pasha Toub.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking? Submit your questions at ⁠http://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline⁠ or email ⁠podcast@gefilteria.com⁠!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit⁠http://gefilteria.com⁠ for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto Cookbook, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and rate the show—it’s the best way for us to grow! Click the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

Eleven episodes. Countless insights from the world’s foremost Jewish food experts and food friends we’ve welcomed onto the podcast.

This is the Best of Meet Me At The Deli, where Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria take listeners on a culinary journey through the Jewish foods they love, the snacks and bites they absolutely do not, the flavors making a post-assimilation comeback, and the questions that may have crossed your mind as a deli goer and devoted Jewish food lover.

So slide into the vinyl seats of the deli booth alongside Liz and Jeffrey for all the hits of Meet Me At The Deli… so far. Then go back and catch up on all the episodes you missed.

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Pasha Toub.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking? Submit your questions at http://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email podcast@gefilteria.com!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto Cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

Slide into the deli seats with Liz and Jeffrey for this week's episode, where this time, they get to ask the questions with guest Nora L. Rubel about her new book, Recipes for the Melting Pot: The Lives of the Settlement Cook Book.

Learn about The Settlement Cook Book and the bad-ass that was Lizzie Kander, the founder of a settlement house in Milwaukee, who left a legacy of Jewish immigrant cooking through this enduring recipe book. Topics include a brief history of The Settlement Cook Book, the most successful charitable cookbook in American history, the noteworthy absence of garlic and kosher food, and the intended versus actual audience. The trio kibitz about vegan deli sandwich names, bathhouse influencer etiquette, and much, much more.

Nora L. Rubel is the author of Recipes for the Melting Pot: The Lives of the Settlement Cook Book. She is the Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Rochester, and is incredibly proud to share this project with the world. Find her newest book, released on Colombia University Press, here: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/recipes-for-the-melting-pot/9780231566162/

Learn more about Nora: https://www.norarubel.com/about-nora.html

Show Notes:

Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks (Book Launch location): http://bonnieslotnickcookbooks.com

Kitchen Arts & Letters (Panel location): http://kitchenartsandletters.com

97 Orchard: An Edible History of Five Immigrant Families in One New York Tenement by Jane Ziegelman: Barnes & Noble

Between Harlem and Heaven: Afro-Asian-American Cooking for Big Nights, Weeknights, and Every Day by Alexander Smalls & J.J. Johnson (with Veronica Chambers): Bookshop.org

HOPWTR x Hot Girl Pickle — Pickle Lemonade: http://hopwtr.com/products/pickle-lemonade

Spicy Moon (vegan Szechuan restaurant, multiple NYC locations): https://www.spicymoonnyc.com

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Pasha Toub.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking? Submit your questions at http://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email podcast@gefilteria.com!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture.

Reporting LIVE from the Sour Cream Sierras...is green borscht actually a thing? Should anyone ever scoop a bagel? Liz and Jeffrey take Meet Me at the Deli on the road for a special live episode from the Borscht Belt Festival in Ellenville, New York, where they (alongside three passionate guests) answer both listener and live questions about foods, traditions, and debates that define Jewish American cuisine.

From the origins of the Reuben sandwich and cholent to the psychology of immigrant food culture, plus passionate takes on mustard, chopped liver, cinnamon raisin bagels (and more!) this live episode is packed with food history, comedy, and plenty of kvetching.

Dan Vetrano is a comedian and host of Get Work, a live comedy show where comedians interview for real jobs using fake résumés. Learn more at http://www.danvetrano.com.

Willie Zabar is a New York comedian, writer, and member of the legendary Zabar family. Learn more about Willie at http://www.williezabar.com.

Rounding out the panel is Rocco Marinaccio, professor of literature, food studies, ethnic studies, and New York studies at Manhattan University.

Show Notes:

The Borscht Belt Festival: https://www.borschtbeltfest.org/

The Borscht Belt Museum: https://www.borschtbeltmuseum.org/

Rhapsody in Schmaltz by Michael Wex: https://wwnorton.com/books/Rhapsody-in-Schmaltz

Hungering for America by Hasia Diner: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691059757/hungering-for-america

The Vilna Vegetarian Cookbook: https://archive.org/details/VilnaVegetarianCookbook

Daniel Kahn and the Painted Bird – "Borscht Revisited": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bX9_q-_u3c&list=RD3bX9_q-_u3c&start_radio=1

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Pasha Toub.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking? Submit your questions at http://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email podcast@gefilteria.com!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

The fated day at the deli has finally arrived. Liz and Jeffrey tackle the big question head-on by going back and forth about what might, or might not, make a food "Jewish." Is there such a thing? How do we know? What about Chinese food on Christmas? Only listeners will have the inside scoop. Other topics include the Borscht Belt (with a live podcast announcement), gut-healthy deli options for our food sensitivity affected listeners, and the ethics of a blueberry bagel.

Show notes:

The Gefilteria's Featured Recipes (lots of gluten free and dairy free options!): https://www.gefilteria.com/recipes

Chef Ari Miller's Fishtown restaurant, Post Haste, a favorite of The Gefilteria and a stop on Jeffrey's trip to Philadelphia: https://www.posthastephilly.com/

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Pasha Toub.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking? Submit your questions at http://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email podcast@gefilteria.com!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

If you like creative sandwich names, dueling regional pastrami styles, and glizzy banter, you’ll love this week’s episode with one very special guest. Liz and Jeffrey gear up for the Fourth of July with New York-based journalist and proud Texan, Adam Chandler, author and food columnist at The Wall Street Journal. No better expert could be better equipped to join our hosts as they answer listeners’ burning questions about Texas- versus New York-style pastrami, the Jewish history of the hot dog, and whether the tradition of sandwiches named after celebrities is alive and thriving, or ready to retire.

Exploring food trends at the intersection of business and culture, Adam is the author of Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey into the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom, as well as 99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life. Order your copies of Adam’s books on his website, http://www.adamchandler.com, and read his musings on fast food, American life, and more on his Substack, The Crunchwrap.

Show Notes:

The Great Nosh, the ultimate Jew-ish summer picnic

Ten Restaurants That Changed America by Paul Freedman

“The Time Rahm Emanuel Sliced Off his Finger at Arby’s” from Eater

The history of Schlotzky’s,the Texas deli chain Adam referenced

How Nathan’s Famous developed the kosher-style category, starting with hot dogs

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Pasha Toub.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking? Submit your questions at http://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email podcast@gefilteria.com!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

Most Americans underestimate how much industry and tradition shape our Jewish and Southern food. This week, Liz and Jeffrey sit down with Michael W. Twitty, the renowned culinary historian and James Beard Award–winning author of The Cooking Gene and Koshersoul.

The three dive into how industrialization transformed kosher foods from trusted community staples into mass-produced, low-quality products, and how that shift may be behind the decline of once-great Jewish delis. They also explore ways in which certain traditions are kept alive, the best foods for pickling, and so much more.

A prolific writer and food justice advocate, his unique perspective on Black, Jewish, and Southern culinary crossovers adds a special flair to this lively discussion, especially during Pride and Juneteenth month.

Learn more about Michael and purchase his all of books, including Koshersoul, here: https://michaelwtwitty.com/

Show notes:

Pre-order Queer Soup Night: The Cookbook: https://combospress.com/products/queer-soup-night-the-cookbook

Information on the women-led Kosher Meat Riot of 1910: https://www.thejewishnews.com/community/the-jewish-women-behind-the-detroit-kosher-meat-riot-of-1910/article_47223202-21a0-11ef-b468-9749a64402cb.html

An illuminating article Michael wrote about Juneteenth for Atlas Obscura: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/history-of-juneteenth-food

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking and deli culture? Submit your question at https://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email podcast@gefilteria.com!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

Follow:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gefilteria/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heebmedia/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeebMedia

The one where Liz and Jeffrey answer the age-old question, "What about p'tcha?" This week, Liz and Jeffrey defend some of their hottest food takes, try an extra crunchy peanut snack, and explore the rich tradition of the gelatinous delicacy known as p'tcha, or gala.

Show notes:

The adult Jewish summer camp Liz mentioned (Trybal Gatherings): https://www.trybalgatherings.com

P'tcha recipe from friend-of-the-podcast, Darra Goldstein: https://www.jewishfoodsociety.org/recipes/ptcha-calves-foot-aspic

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking and deli culture? Submit your question at https://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline or email podcast@gefilteria.com!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

Follow:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gefilteria/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heebmedia/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeebMedia

Support this show by subscribing, rating, and leaving us a review. Join the Heeb Media Guild and shape the future of Jewish subculture and entertainment! Become a member here: https://heebmedia.com/pages/becomeame...

Our favorite Jewish cooking experts are joined this week by cookbook author Shannon Sarna.

Shannon has written several cookbooks about Jewish food, including Modern Jewish Baker: Challah, Babka, Bagels & More and Modern Jewish Comfort Food: 100 Fresh Recipes for Classic Dishes from Kugel to Kreplach. Shannon was also Founding Editor of The Nosher, the popular website dedicated to Jewish food.

Listen in as the trio talks about matzo balls as big as a baby's head, getting kicked out of delis, and their favorite delis from outside of major Jewish food centers. Liz brings pickle-flavored sour straws and matzo granola for the group to share, and the reactions are... mixed.

Show Notes:

Deli recommendations from around the country:

Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan: https://www.zingermansdeli.com/

Kenny & Ziggy’s in Houston, Texas: https://www.kennyandziggys.com/

Larder in Cleveland, Ohio: https://larderdb.com/

Goldie’s Bagels in Columbia, Missouri: https://www.ordergoldies.com/

Liz's Farmer's Cheese recipe for Shavuot: https://www.gefilteria.com/farmers-cheese

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking and deli culture? Submit your question at https://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital nonprofit for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

Follow:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gefilteria/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heebmedia/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeebMedia

Support this show by subscribing, rating, and leaving us a review. Join the Heeb Media Guild and shape the future of Jewish subculture and entertainment! Become a member here: https://heebmedia.com/pages/becomeame...

In this extra-special solo episode, Jeffrey regales us with tales from his adventures at Bagel Fest West. Liz discovers the tiniest pink Himalayan salt packet ever to exist. The two unpack the makings of a great mock chopped liver, along with the reason why chefs decide to write a cookbook. And Jeffrey uncovers a corned moose recipe from a fan residing in the Great White North.

Show Notes:

Liz's Mock Chopped Liver Recipe: https://www.gefilteria.com/mushroom-mockchop

Jon's Corned Moose Recipe: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aLqzYKSkd5ygCZ_qr7kWoqtlVA25zEZq/view?usp=sharing

New York Times article about private equity-backed bagel shops: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/14/dining/private-equity-bagel-business.html

More information about BagelFest: https://www.bagelfest.com/

LA Delis Jeffrey enjoyed during his trip for Bagel Fest West:

Langer’s Deli: https://www.langersdeli.com/

The Nosh of Beverly Hills: https://www.thenosh.com/

Factor’s Famous Deli: https://www.factorsdeli.com/

Canter’s Deli: https://cantersdeli.com/

Belle’s Bagels: https://www.bellesbagels.com/

This episode is dedicated to Jim. May his memory always and forever be a blessing.

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking and deli culture? Submit your question at https://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital platform for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

Catch episode highlights on Heeb Media's YouTube page!

Follow:

Instagram: @gefilteria

Instagram: @heebmedia

YouTube: @HeebMedia

Support this show by subscribing, rating, and leaving us a review. Join the Heeb Media Guild and shape the future of Jewish subculture and entertainment! Become a member here: https://heebmedia.com/pages/becomeamember

Our favorite duo in the Jewish cooking space are joined by Elyssa Heller, chef and owner of Edith's Sandwich Counter, another iconic chef breathing new life into this very special cuisine. Elyssa sits down with Liz and Jeffrey to explore her aversion to the boring deli sandwich, how that inspired the birth of Edith's, which Dr. Brown's soda flavor cures hangovers, and where she stands on the great Morton versus Crystal Kosher salt debate.

With two locations across New York City, Edith's Sandwich Counter is known for innovating on traditional deli food with flavors from Jewish cultures around the world. Visit them in person and learn more at https://edithsbk.com/

Episode Show Notes:

Jeffrey's Cel-Ray Recipe: https://www.gefilteria.com/cel-ray

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking and deli culture? Submit your question at https://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an Original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital platform for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

Catch episode highlights on Heeb Media's YouTube page!

Follow:

Instagram: @gefilteria

Instagram: @heebmedia

YouTube: @HeebMedia

Support this show by subscribing, rating, and leaving us a review. Join the Heeb Media Guild and shape the future of Jewish subculture and entertainment! Become a member here: https://heebmedia.com/pages/becomeamember

Liz and Jeffrey are back for Episode 2 of Meet Me At The Deli—and they've invited a special guest to slide into their vinyl deli booth. Chef Aaron Israel of the legendary Brooklyn eatery Shalom Japan joins our co-hosts to talk about the science and art of a good matzoh ball, how to keep your matzoh balls intact, and the most pungent dish the Gefilteria duo has ever pickled.

Shalom Japan is most famous for its Matzoh Ball Ramen, which you'll hear Jeffrey and Liz talk about in the episode, as well as for its Shark Tank-Approved Matzoh Ball Ramen kits. Visit their Brooklyn location and learn more at https://shalomjapannyc.com.

Episode Show Notes:

Mile End Deli, a Montreal-style deli in Brooklyn: https://www.mileenddeli.com/

Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen in San Francisco: https://www.wisesonsdeli.com/

Food Stories Conversation Card Deck: https://foodstories.cards/products/food-stories-conversation-card-deck

Guinness World Record for Largest Matzoh Ball Soup: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/03/06/jewish-chef-eitan-bernath-sets-new-guinness-world-record-making-largest-matzah-ball-soup/

And a special shoutout to Wolf, whose pickle science fair project may not have won an award, but has made his dad and Jeffrey, as well as our podcast community very, very happy.

This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.

Got a burning question on Jewish cooking and deli culture? Submit your question at https://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline!

Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit http://gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.

This show is an Original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital platform for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

Catch episode highlights on Heeb Media's YouTube page!

Follow:

Instagram: @gefilteria

Instagram: @heebmedia

YouTube: @HeebMedia

Support this show by subscribing, rating, and leaving us a review. Join the Heeb Media Guild and shape the future of Jewish subculture and entertainment! Become a member here: https://heebmedia.com/pages/becomeamember

For generations, Jewish delis have served as the heart of Jewish culture — secular synagogues where diners kvell, kvetch and gather over their shared love of this cuisine. Brought to you by Heeb Media, the tradition lives on, reimagined by two chefs breathing new life into Eastern European Jewish cooking.

Welcome to Meet Me At The Deli, a food advice show hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. New episodes air every other Thursday.

Follow @gefilteria and @heebmedia on Instagram and catch episode highlights on Heeb Media's YouTube channel.

Recipes, recommendations and more from today's episode:

Queer Soup Night

Liz’s Deli Recommendations

• Lido’s Kosher Deli
• 2nd Ave Deli

Jeffrey’s Deli Recommendations

• Katz’s Deli
• Mill Basin Kosher Deli

Deli-Inspired Restaurants and Luncheonettes

• Mile End Deli
• Gertrude’s
• Elbow Bread
• S&P Lunch

10-minute Seder

Sour pickle recipe

Gilda recipe

Got a burning question about Jewish cooking? Submit your question to the Gefilte Hotline!

Meet Me At The Deli is an original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital platform for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.

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Welcome to Meet Me At The Deli, a food advice podcast by the Gefilteria. Come with your burning questions about eating and cooking while Jewish, and leave with a fresh perspective on what the future of deli cuisine looks like.