My Favorite Pastrami Sandwiches -- KENNY & ZIGGY'S - Houston, TX
/After seeing the movie, Deli Man, I quickly scheduled a business trip to Houston to experience for myself what appeared to be a remarkable deli. My flight departed Los Angeles at 6:00AM and arrived in Houston 11:16 AM. I grabbed my carry-on luggage from the overhead compartment, headed for the airport exit and summoned an Uber car. We arrived at Kenny & Ziggy's shortly after noon. The hostess seated me at my table, and as I looked around the restaurant, I spotted the owner, Ziggy Gruber, seated at a table and engaged in conversation with customers After ordering my pastrami sandwich, I let my server know that I wanted to speak with Ziggy. I was about halfway through my sandwich when Ziggy came over, introduced himself, and took a seat across from me. I told him about my love for pastrami and that I hoped to feature his deli in an upcoming blog post. He responded with hospitality that rivaled that of my grandmother. First, he took me behind the deli counter to get a close up look at the pastrami still in the steamers. He also insisted that I sample the chopped liver (which was to die for) and the rugalach.
My experience was so good that I returned four more times on this trip. One evening I ordered the stuffed cabbage with sides of kishka and noodle kugel. All were excellent. The next evening, I ordered a pastrami sandwich. While I was waiting for it to arrive, Ziggy sent over a plate full of delicious gribines. I thought that my dinner was complete as I took the last bite of my sandwich, but Ziggy - in the tradition of my grandmother - insisted that I have some blintzes. Again - all were excellent.
Kenny & Ziggy's combines well prepared deli food with outstanding service and Ziggy's personality to create an outstanding deli experience. I look forward to my next visit. Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen Restaurant is located at 2327 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX - (713) 871-8883 - kennyandziggys.com