I found a photograph of an old Milwaukee deli in my box of “inspirations”. When I looked at the photograph I could almost smell the pastrami, cheeses and earthy spices that filled the market. When I was growing up we had corner markets in almost every larger neighborhood. The market owners were colorful, hard working characters who often lived above their shops. A trip to the corner market was a trip to the home country of an immigrant family. Bratwurst, summer sausage, kraut, ring bologna, head cheese, farmers cheese...these were the items one such merchant sold, Chappie was an institution in his shop.
In other communities the goods might be Italian, or Jewish, Middle Eastern or Soul food , they were always a reflection of the community they served.
We are a melting pot here in America. I treasure the unique heritage and gifts that each part of that “pot” brings to our collective culture. Food, unites us and educates us. Briney pickles, sour cabbage, hot pastrami and sharp cheese in a deli sandwich is more than a good bite to eat, it’s a taste of the American immigrant experience. It’s a delicious trip around our world.
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