Someone wrote: >> Shenson's has a virtual monopoly on delis out in the Richmond Disitrict >> but what's the word on all the Russian delis? They have a lot of the >> same foods, but what's the best one? The best is the one you like the most.... and Odessa has the best blinis I have had in a long, long time... when they have them. One of the women behind the counter makes them herself, and will also make only the crepes, which you can take home to prepare as follows: Butter a pie pan, and then alternately lay down a crepe, some very thinly sliced boiled ham (also from Odessa), another crepe, some grated Swiss cheese, another crepe, etc. etc. Cover the whole thing with a little butter to keep it from burning, and put in a 350 degree oven. The deli accross the street and one block to the west (approximately) seems to specialize in smoked fishes, and the one next door, which has been there forever, makes some decent meat and fish cakes, but is not as well supplied as the new ones. For meats and excellent pickles, I go to the New World Market on Balboa at 21st, where the owner is a butcher who cooks all sorts of goodies in an ancient roaster standing in the window. He also has a wide selection of sausages and cold cuts made in the major Russian communities of Chicago or Brooklyn. Bon appétit! T. ============================= Tony Roder, speaking his mind
San Francisco Bay Area, CA