12.03.2018

At Mile End Deli, You Can Get A Taste of Nostalgia — And Something New

Looking to feed a crowd for Chanukah (without cooking)? Or just in search of a crazy-good, home-cooked meal (again, without cooking)? Go to Mile End Deli. The Jewish-style delicatessen serves up traditional dishes with a Canadian flair — dishes so popular that the co-founders have expanded from their original Hoyt Street location into greater New York and even the South. We got the lowdown from owner Joel Tietolman on everything from matzoh ball firmness to latke toppings.

WHY DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN?
When we found the space almost ten years ago, Smith Street was already happening, but nothing had spread on to Atlantic Avenue yet — so the space on Hoyt St. seemed ideal for our little deli.

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THE GREAT MATZO BALL DEBATE? HARD OR SOFT?
We make ours on the medium-to-firm side. Matzo ball firmness is a contentious issue; people usually prefer what their bubbie made. The highest compliment someone can give us about our matzo ball soup is telling us that it’s just as good as their grandmothers.

SAY WE WERE TO HOST CHANUKAH DINNER BUT HAD NO TIME TO COOK. WAHT SHOULD WE ORDER TO TAKEOUT FROM MILE END TO SERVE TO OUR GUESTS?
Latkes, latkes and more latkes — along with some fun toppings besides the usual applesauce and sour cream: Caviar crème fraiche, turkey rillettes, chopped liver. I also love our smoked salmon on a latke. Oh, and no holiday party — or any party for that matter — is complete without our hot dogs in blankets.