Our Federal Deli tradition.

We feel at home here. 

Not that there were any Jewish delis that serve Cuban coffee anywhere around us at home. Nevertheless, we have been coming to The Federal Deli here in Auckland long enough that it feels like we belong.  

It's always busy, but we've never had to wait very long to get a seat. (Reservations are not accepted.)  We've always enjoyed the food.  I do roll my eyes and sigh when I pay the bill, but oh well.  

We weren't able to come in on Jeanne's birthday for lunch this year, as is our tradition, but we came as soon as possible.  

This post is a short one, but it seeks to capture the essence of the place in just a few pictures. 

-Nor have we had to wait very long for our food after ordering either.  

We're at the counter today. That's a first. We get to watch the food prep. (They're very good at what they do.)

I love this picture.  It makes me want some again every time I look at it. 

That's matzo ball soup. Look at the oil on the surface. That's real quality. And the dill...  

Kenny P., a sales rep. I once worked with from New Jersey, (many years ago) always said that his Jewish mother's chicken soup was not complete until she put the dill into it.  

So, this is the real thing...

Can't you almost taste how rich that broth is?  

I like Ruth Reichl.  Okay, I don't actually know her, but I like this quote of hers a lot.   

We enjoyed our lunch. It was worth the wait.    -djf