March 04, 2016

Chicago - February 23 - 25, 2016

March 04, 2016/ Michael Kaplan

I recently had the opportunity to visit Chicago during the heart of the winter. I took a short break from the 80+ degree winter days in Los Angeles, to brave the cold and snowy winter in Chicago. Between business meetings, I bundled up and took to the streets with my trusty camera, visiting some of my favorite and some new locations. I made new acquaintances, dined at some of my traditional restaurants and experienced the cuisine of some new ones. On this trip I was able to experience the breathtaking view of the city from the 103rd floor of Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower).

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Crossing the street before the signal changes.

Homeless man on the Michigan Ave. Bridge.

This "Kiss" was on the elevator up to the Skydeck at Willis Tower.   The other passengers appear unaware of "the 103 Story Kiss>" — This "Kiss" was on the elevator up to the Skydeck at Willis Tower. The other passengers appear unaware of "the 103 Story Kiss>"

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Kaufman's Deli - Skokie, IL

My flight arrived at approximately 6AM. That allowed enough time for me to deplane and head directly to the ground transportation area where I was picked up by an Uber car. Timing was perfect as we arrived at Kaufman's Deli just in time for the 7AM opening. I knew that my breakfast would start with Kaufman's homemade "Gefilte Fish." It was absolutely outstanding. My next course was a piece of "Pastrami Strudel." This delicacy is a pastry dough filled with thinly sliced pastrami, chopped vegetables and spices, and is served hot. This very flavorful item was certainly a creative preparation of my favorite deli meat. I look forward to my next visit during which I plan on having a "Pastrami Knish." Kaufman's has been one of my long time favorites in the Chicago area.

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

A trip to Chicago would not be complete without a visit to Manny's to enjoy an overstuffed "Pastrami on Rye" with a "Potato Latke" (pancake) on the side.

Any questions?

The Little Goat Diner

A newer addition to the Chicago restaurant scene is the Little Goat Diner, located in the trendy "West Loop" area. As expected the diner has a very casual vibe. The staff members that I encountered were warm, welcoming and accommodating. The Little Goat serves innovative and intercultural variations of traditional diner fare. I ordered a "Reuben Sandwich" - homemade smoked corned beef, kimchi, kraut, havarti and special sauce on pretzel rye. It was an excellent sandwich. As I looked around the dining room I saw many other guests enjoying a variety of appetizing creations. I look forward to returning to try many other menu items.

Fumare Meats & Deli

On my return to the downtown area, not more than thirty minutes after having lunch at the Little Goat Diner, I encountered the entrance to the Chicago French Market. I remembered that several years ago I heard about a deli in the Chicago French Market that served "Montreal-Style Pastrami." ( aka Montreal Smoked Meat). I entered the market and within minutes located Fumare Meats & Deli. Since I had just finished lunch and it was not yet time for dinner, I easily convinced myself that a "Montreal-Style Pastrami" sandwich would be a perfect dessert. This homemade, hand-carved pastrami was outstanding. I had the privilege of speaking with Joan McCracken, who along with her husband, Richard, own and operate this artisan deli. There is no doubt that I will return to Fumare during my future visits to Chicago.

January 30, 2016

New York City

January 30, 2016/ Michael Kaplan

Lower Manhattan Skyline featuring One World Trade Center -

For decades I have been fascinated by the big city. On a typical visit to New York, I take the subway from JFK to my hotel in Manhattan, and with camera in hand I immediately immerse myself into this street photographer’s paradise. New York City has it all. It has the hustle and bustle of the business districts, the flavor of the neighborhoods, the majesty of the architecture and skylines, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and the Rockefeller Center, the landmarks, parks, museums and zoos, the subways and buses, the street vendors and taxi drivers, cultural diversity and an extensive range of local and international cuisine. And without question, New York is blessed with many excellent delis.

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TWO SMILING YOUNG LADIES SERVING AN ICE CREAM CONE

I SHARED MY PASTRAMI SANDWICH WITH THIS GENTLEMAN

IT IS IMPORTANT TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE

GREAT CONVERSATION WITH THIS GENTLEMAN ON HOUSTON STREET

WATCH YOUR STEP AS YOU EXIT THE SUBWAY TRAIN.

EVEN A DOG NEEDS AN OCCASIONAL SPA TREATMENT

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VIEW TO THE SOUTH FROM ROCKEFELLER CENTER

VIEW TO THE NORTH FROM ROCKEFELLER CENTER

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2nd Ave. Deli

I have visited 2nd Ave. Deli on a number of occasions. It is always a great spot for an outstanding deli meal. On this visit I was greeted by Steve Cohen, the manager. I have enjoyed many of their delicious menu items, including chicken soup, chopped liver, gefilte fish and, of course, pastrami on rye.

Katz's Delicatessen

There are only a handful of delis at which pastrami is presented as nothing short of an art form. Katz's Delicatessen, located at 205 East Houston Street, is one of them. Order a sandwich from the deli man at the counter and he will take the cut of pastrami right out of the steamer and hand carve the pastrami for your sandwich. The slices of pastrami are stacked high on rye bread, and the steam from the meat adds just the right touch of moisture to the bread. On this visit I had the pleasure of speaking with Jake Dell, the third generation Dell family member in charge of Katz's Delicatessen. A trip to New York is incomplete without a stop at Katz's for an outstanding pastrami sandwich.

DELI MAN, ELI, HOLDING A PIECE OF PASTRAMI JUST TAKEN FROM THE STEAMER

Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery

After having a sandwich at Katz's it was time for dessert. So I walked just a block or two west to Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery, located at 137 East Houston Street. I had - you guessed it - a potato knish, served to me by Yonah's great nephew and manager, Alex Wolfman. The knishes are baked in the basement and brought up to the store level by a dumbwaiter. It is my understanding that this "institution" has the same decor as it did in 1910 when it opened at this location.

THE SIGN THAT HANGS ABOVE THE DUMBWAITER

ALEX WOLFMAN CARRYING A TRAY OF FRESH KNISHES

TWO TRAYS OF KNISHES RIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN

Mile End Delicatessen

Not more than an hour after leaving Yonah Schimmel's, I received a text from my friend, Seth Front, creator of the Jewish Zodiac. He insisted that I visit the Mile End Delicatessen and have Montreal style "smoked meat," a north of the border variation of pastrami. I immediately headed directly to Mile End's Manhattan location. As this was the first time I experienced "smoked meat," my server, a very upbeat and enthusiastic young lady, suggested that I have a sandwich with both the leaner and fattier cuts of meat. This delicious "smoked meat" sandwich was a perfect follow up to my "pastrami & knish" lunch and a perfect mid-afternoon snack before my Italian dinner.

TYPICAL OF AN ARTISAN DELI, MILE END DELICATESSEN HAS A LIMITED MENU

January 16, 2016

Rediscovering Chicago

January 16, 2016/ Michael Kaplan

Cloud Gate, commonly known as "the Bean," is located in MILLENnIUM Park.

About 15 years ago I rediscovered the charm of my birthplace, Chicago, IL. The city, populated by warm and welcoming Midwesterners, has stunning architecture, a beautiful lakefront skyline, a downtown area that is vibrant, and has a wealth of excellent restaurants. Delis, although not as abundant as in New York or Los Angeles, have a character of their own. During each of my 6 or 7 visits a year I have the opportunity to meet many new friends from all walks of life - business & professional, shopkeepers, students, educators, working people and homeless individuals. And on each visit I am often joined by friends, family and colleagues at Chicago's most popular deli's to enjoy my most favorite deli food - pastrami.

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Stret musicians on the Michigan avenue bridge

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This was my home from age 7 through age 18.

chicago river - trump tower on the left and wrigley building ahead

Chicago River - Marina City on the right

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One of my more recent discoveries is Eleven City Diner, located at 1112 South Wabash Ave. This restaurant has the vibe of both a diner and a deli. On a recent visit I was greeted by Roz Rubin, the proud mother of the owner, Brad Rubin. I have had the opportunity to enjoy a number of their delicious menu offerings including pastrami.

Although it is hard to believe, I sometimes order a menu item other than pastrami. Here is an outstanding selection at the Bagel Restaurant and Deli located in the Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie, IL. This is "Polish Style Fish" - smoked whitefish stuffed with gefilte fish in a tasty broth smothered with carrots and onions. Outstanding!

"Polish style fish" at the Bagel restaurant & deli

One of my all time favorites in Chicago is Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen , located at 1141 S. Jefferson St. Their food is served cafeteria style and the menu includes a wide selection of deli items, including overstuffed sandwiches accompanied by a potato latke. Manny's is family owned, and diners are often greeted by the owner, Ken Raskin, and his son Dan. A trip to Chicago is incomplete without at least one visit to Manny's.

Preparing a pastrami sandwich at Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

Pastrami sandwich with a potato latke - Manny's Cafeteria &delicatessen — Pastrami sandwich with a potato latke - Manny's Cafeteria &
delicatessen

January 15, 2016

Welcome!

January 15, 2016/ Michael Kaplan

When I was 8 years old my father and mother gave me a camera, a Brownie Hawkeye. I loved it. I began to photograph everything that I could, family, friends, my neighborhood and the city. If it could put a smile on someone’s face, I photographed it. The camera rarely left my hands. Over the years my passion for photography grew, as did my passion for the culture of the city and for great food. My career as an educator and forensic expert has given me the opportunity to travel around the country and expand my photographic horizons. I thrill in taking to the streets with my camera, shooting from the hip, meeting new people, and exploring our country’s great cities.

“People, Places & Pastrami” will be a photographic journal of my travels. It will feature my favorite cities, introduce people from all walks of life whom I have met along the way, and share the featured foods served my favorite eating establishments, particularly Jewish delis.

I welcome you to “Michael’s America: People, Places & Pastrami.”

Michael G. Kaplan

Michael's America: People Places & Pastrami

Chicago - February 23 - 25, 2016

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New York City

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Welcome!

Michael G. Kaplan

Contact Michael via email

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