Win a $25 Gift Card to Mort's Delicatessen and a bottle of 2014 Calasole Vermentino Rocca Di Montemassi (white wine)!
It has been said by many, and we’ll repeat it again: there’s nothing more American than a New York Jewish deli.
Historically, Delis first rose up as take out services for Jewish immigrants, gathering places for Jewish communities and major symbols of integration and assimilation- and soon enough, pastrami piled high on fresh baked rye bread became a popular, comfort food classic nationwide.
Delis in early 20th century New York were a gathering place for immigrants living in all too small tenement apartments, a place to find community – in the words of famous comedian Harpo Marx, "I was back with my own people, who spoke my language, with my accent!" In the comfort of the deli, immigrants would gather to discuss, to laugh and of course, to eat.
But like every other coming to America story, Delis began to absorb more American flavors and styles, enabling immigrants to carve out their own unique, yet completely all-American, identity. It was never just about the food at a Deli, it was about feeding the soul as well as the stomach; nourishing the ideal that it’s possible to stay true to your roots while becoming American all at the same time. At Mort’s, we’re proud of the heritage.