The Second Avenue Deli Cookbook : Recipes and Memories from Abe Lebewohl's Legendary Kitchen

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book, but nothing beats Molly Goldberg
Review: All those years I naively ate my soup and sandwich at the counter, or got takeout, and I never knew about the famous clientele. This is a magnificent cookbook that combines recipes and stories that prove that one person, even a restauranteur, can make a difference in the big city. The 2nd Avenue Deli makes 1,000 pounds of cole slaw a day. That's alot of cabbage even for the East Village. It serves 400,000 meals per year, and touches the lives of those fressers in a big way. Of the 166 recipes, the following are worth the price of the book alone...the chopped liver, the challah-apple stuffing, Paul Reiser's egg cream, and Morley Safer's memories.

Rating:
Summary: I came for the kugel, but stayed for the menschlichkeit
Review: All those years I naively ate my soup and sandwich at the counter, or got takeout, and I never knew about the famous clientele. This is a magnificent cookbook that combines recipes and stories that prove that one person, even a restauranteur, can make a difference in the big city. The 2nd Avenue Deli makes 1,000 pounds of cole slaw a day. That's alot of cabbage even for the East Village. It serves 400,000 meals per year, and touches the lives of those fressers in a big way. Of the 166 recipes, the following are worth the price of the book alone...the chopped liver, the challah-apple stuffing, Paul Reiser's egg cream, and Morley Safer's memories.

Rating:
Summary: Name Dropping A Cookbook Doesn't Make
Review: Grew up eating at 2nd Ave Deli. Ordered book expecting to see specifics on how to feel the texture of food when ready, how to smell when the meat is done, the taste of the dishes when seasoned correctly, etc. I wanted to read simple recipes as chicken stock or pastrami sandwiches with what bread, which mustard etc. Instead, got some token personal info on owner and family but with significant portion of recipes from entertainment stars, etc. who had dined at the 2nd Ave Deli and had a recipe for some dish. A revised edition would sell extremely well at times when 1st and 2nd generations are trying to collect authentic recipes that survived Ellis Island and the era of New York City when immigrants were their foods and rituals. Diasappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book, but nothing beats Molly Goldberg
Review: I enjoyed looking through this book, but when it comes to finding and following a recipe, I prefer The Molly Goldberg Jewish Cookbook. Her recipes are straightforward and easy-to-follow--and they always come out like my grandmother's. Her anecdotes are entertaining, as are Leberwohl's, but more down-homey--about family rather than celebrities.

Rating:
Summary: Name Dropping A Cookbook Doesn't Make
Review: I found the book very interesting, informative and Wonderful!! I already tried the "Sour Cream Coffee Cake," "Barley Soup," "Bowtie Salad w/Sun-Dried Tomatoes" and "Red Cabbage and Apples." They all came out as if I were eating at the 2nd Ave Deli. Loved the pictures of the customers, also. What a Great Book! It should be in every cook's kitchen.

Rating:
Summary: The 2nd Ave Deli Cookbook by Sharon Lebewohl and Rena Bulkin
Review: I found the book very interesting, informative and Wonderful!! I already tried the "Sour Cream Coffee Cake," "Barley Soup," "Bowtie Salad w/Sun-Dried Tomatoes" and "Red Cabbage and Apples." They all came out as if I were eating at the 2nd Ave Deli. Loved the pictures of the customers, also. What a Great Book! It should be in every cook's kitchen.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful stories with great recipes.
Review: I've received this cookbook expecting recipes. What I got was really entertaining stories of a great man and his generousity to his many friends and total strangers. The food recipes are equally wonderful. I've tried the Roast beef and potato latkes fantastic! I live in Iowa and there isn't a deli within 150 miles. Sharon thank you for sharing your dad's story and recipes.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful memories and great recipes
Review: If you have any interest in comfort food (or just good food, period), this book is a must-have. Every recipe I have tried has gotten rave reviews; try the three-ingredient Pot Roast (you won't believe anything so good can be so ridiculously easy!). In addition to the great recipes, the memories of Abe Lebewohl are very touching.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful memories and great recipes
Review: If you have any interest in comfort food (or just good food, period), this book is a must-have. Every recipe I have tried has gotten rave reviews; try the three-ingredient Pot Roast (you won't believe anything so good can be so ridiculously easy!). In addition to the great recipes, the memories of Abe Lebewohl are very touching.

Rating:
Summary: Delicious!
Review: This book blows Molly Goldberg out of the water. The charm and wit of the writing would make the book worth owning even for a non-cook, it's that tasty! And the recipes are easy to use and come out yummy every time. Your friends will kvell and go all verklempt when you start producing kugels like Grandma used to make.