Fellow lovers of New York and LA-style Jewish delicatessens and temples to pastrami, you’re gonna love this limited pop-up from Michael Dellar and Mark Dommen of One Market: Mark ‘n Mike’s. The menu includes housemade Romanian hot pastrami, 12-hour smoked brisket on twice-baked rye (or challah), thinly sliced and cold-smoked (and completely decadent!) Bodega Bay salmon on Boichik bagels (the popular and New York-style bagel makers in Berkeley—now you don’t have to wait in line for them, or drive across the bridge), Mark’s matzo ball soup (such a tender matzo ball, and flavorful broth that is spiked with celery—this will be great for our winter), dill pickles, an awesome housemade potato salad and coleslaw, and meats by the pound. (I’ll be posting more of my own pics on @tablehopper this week.)
I was lucky to taste my way through some dishes, and as a complete sandwich fanatic, I’m telling you not to miss the Dellar’s special No. 18 with pastrami, thinly sliced Swiss, coleslaw, and Russian dressing ($18.50). If you’re familiar with the famous Langer’s in Los Angeles, you will recognize this as an homage to their famed No. 19, but Dellar chose 18 because it’s a spiritual number in Judaism. I adored this sandwich—the double-baked rye has great flavor (with caraway seeds) and texture, and the Russian dressing is housemade. It’s a beast.
There’s also a pastrami Reuben ($18.95) and a triple-decker Mile High on rye ($25.95). The menu has a “Big Fresser” package feast that includes four kinds of meat, cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, breads, pickles, rugelach, and jumbo macaroons for $125. Speaking of the rugelach and macaroons, chocolate lovers, you will be so pleased with both. Available through One Market for delivery or pickup Wed-Fri 11:30am-7pm (but things run out, so order early). 1 Market St. at Steuart.
The Big Fresser package from Mark ‘n’ Mike’s. Photo: Hardy Wilson.
