Sharing our stories through food: Papa Barry’s Working Lunch

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(Submitted by Rachael Amchislavskiy)

Papa Barry’s Working Lunch Deli Style Turkey Pastrami on Marble Rye with a Shirley Temple
In memory of my Papa Barry (Baruch ben Helen), may his neshama have an aliyah.

You may have tried these recipes before but I promise you the combination of these two recipes takes deli dining to a whole new level when you want to make lunch a little fancier! 

Most likely on the way to lunch

You see, my grandfather, Papa Barry (aka Barry Chasen to the adults), was a hardworking man, an entrepreneur, and was in the business of wholesale fabric. He and his brother helped build a business together. Whenever I would visit my Papa Barry there was at least one day I got to go with him to work. It was the best! Whenever we arrived at the office everyone always greeted him with a smile. While he was in meetings I would be “put to work” with Rosa, one of the sweetest ladies who always commented how big I have grown since the last time she saw me. 

Once my grandfather was done with his meeting(s) (which were unusually short), we would take a break for lunch. Sometimes lunch would involve just the two of us, other times it was a working meeting with a client, other times with his partner in the business – his brother Arnie (my Great Uncle), and other times it would be with his good friend Larry (who was a character of his own). No matter where we went it always seemed to be some deli setting, and I would always gravitate to ordering the same thing every time – a Turkey Pastrami on Marble Rye. It was a bonus if I could order a Shirley Temple with it. I was convinced that marble rye and shirley temples only existed wherever my grandfather ate. It was the most delicious combination after working hard…for 30 minutes. 

These recipes may be simple alone, just like how the “Working Lunches” could be seen as a simple break in a busy workday – but its the combination of the two – marble rye and Shirley temple – my grandfather and me – making for the best combination, elevating even the most simple of experiences.   

Papa Barry’s Working Lunch Deli Style Turkey Pastrami on Marble Rye with Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple 

  • 2 tbsp of grenadine
  • 8 ounces of lemon-lime soda 
  • Garnish with marachinco cherries 
  • Combine and enjoy!

Sandwich

  • 2 slices of Marble Rye Bread (cause you are fancy)
  • 1 Tbsp of Mayo
  • ½ Tbsp of Mustard 
  • 1/4 pound of Turkey Pastrami (or whatever deli meat you want)
  • 2-3 thinly sliced red onions
  • 3-4 leaves of iceberg lettuce (because this is a deli not a restaurant)
  • 1-2 slices of tomatoes
  • 2 frilly toothpicks to hold it all together

Directions

Put all your ingredients together in whatever order you choose, preferably with the bread on the outside. However it is highly recommended to cut diagonally and hold the two slices together with a frilly toothpick. Trust me. Recommended sides: ample amount of potato chips and 1 huge sliced kosher dill pickle.