Deli Man
Physical Description: 1 videodisc
Running Time: 91 minutes
Availability of the book title can be checked via NLB’s online catalogue at http://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg.
Akin to Singapore’s hawker food, delicatessen food in America tells the stories of immigrants and how their unique culinary traditions became part of the mainstream American culture. This charming documentary looks at the world of delicatessen food and the people who run such businesses by taking viewers on a journey from New York to Houston, and even to far-flung places such as Budapest, Hungary.
Ziggy Gruber, a third-generation deli man and the owner of one of America’s finest deli restaurants, steals the show as the charismatic guide. His devotion to his Jewish heritage and his family means he has spent most of his life perpetuating the deli business against various odds, often at the expense of his own happiness. Apart from Ziggy’s stories, viewers are treated to a gastronomical tour to various iconic delis in America as well as a few up-and-coming establishments. Interviews with deli connoisseurs such as comedians Larry King and Jerry Stiller provide viewers with deeper and often hilarious insights into what it takes to run a successful deli - definitely not something for the faint-hearted!
This mouth-watering documentary is a delight to watch. The ending does not disappoint as viewers get to discover whether it is too late for Ziggy Gruber to find personal happiness as he continues fighting to keep this culinary tradition alive and thriving.
Above review is contributed by Shirley Lim, National Library Board (NLB).
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