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, 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 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.