#70 – THE REUBEN at COURT STREET GROCERS

For the third year in a row, I’m going to attempt to eat every single item on Time Out New York’s annual 100 Best Dishes list. In no particular order, here’s my take on their Top 100. Let the gluttony continue…

I’ve always been a purist when it comes to kosher meats. I like my corned beef and pastrami on rye with mustard. And a pickle on the side, but that’s it. No sauerkraut, no turkey, no mayo (God forbid!)

But I can’t overlook the long-standing popularity of the Reuben and the Rachel. Although both are closely associated with NY delis, I doubt I’m going to devote an entire search to finding the best. Partly because I think I may have already found it.

Court Street Grocers is a food provisions and deli in Carroll Gardens. Their deli counter updates classics with real, sustainable ingredients. Their turkey club which I documented in my Thanksgiving video last year, is mindblowing. It’s simple, gourmet, and delicious.

TONY recommends the Reuben, which is one of their most popular creations and just as good as the turkey. They don’t use processed cold cuts of corned beef, but instead cure the beef themselves, using the short rib which is more fatty and flavorful than the brisket.

Then, a generous schmear of their tangy and smoky homemade Russian dressing (which is so much more than just mayo and ketchup) is applied, followed by nutty comté cheese, and sauerkraut. It’s all tucked between Orwasher’s bread, buttered, and then grilled to optimal melty brownness.

All the flavors really pop in this sandwich. It’s everything a reuben should be – meaty, rich, cheesy, and tangy – but taken up quite a few notches.

All those little artisanal touches and commitment to quality, fresh ingredients make this a reason to forgo my usual mustard on rye. Amazingly, I think Court Street Grocers has made the reuben better than it’s ever been before.

Would Court Street Grocers’ The Reuben make my Top 100 of the year? After the inclusion of the turkey club on my list last year, these guys are on a roll (or a slice of bread) with their perfect updates of deli staples. 9 out of 10.