I talked myself into going to Epstein’s Kosher Deli yesterday. Well, that’s not quite accurate — makes it sound like I put up a fight. Here’s what led up to a no-brainer of a decision:
8:30 am: Met Team in Training teammates at Purchase College for brick workout (bike followed by run) on five hours of sleep.
9:15 am: Just about yakked (no joke) after the seventh hill repeat.
10:15 am: Ran six miles.
11:30 am: Drank a protein smoothie and collapsed in a heap on the couch.
12:30 pm: Woke from nap with an unstoppable, insatiable hunger for matzo ball soup.
And that’s how I found myself at Epstein’s staring into this glass case. Look at all those potato pancakes and knishes on the second row.
There’s not much I find more comforting than a steaming hot bowl of matzo ball soup. Epstein’s keeps it basic, a Titanic iceberg of a matzo ball floating in cloudy chicken broth. I prefer the broth to come with noodles and a few slices of carrot, but I was okay going without; the matzo ball was soft and light and the slices of bread were a nice addition.
Turkey pastrami on rye with mustard.
I absolutely killed this sandwich. Murdered it. Ate it so fast I had to remind myself to chew.
The pickles were disappointing.
I’m not crazy about the lighter green ones to begin with (I think they’re half sours?); the dill spear was overwhelmingly salty and had an unpleasant aftertaste. No biggie though, I still ate them. Food’s food.
I doubt this would be in any coach’s handbook as the model post-workout meal, but at least I didn’t get corned beef or a reuben with fries or something. Didn’t even sample a knish. That’s for next time.
Epstein’s Kosher Deli
387 North Central Ave.
Hartsdale, NY
914-428-5320