If you find yourself in Springfield on Mountain Avenue and smell something delicious, chances are it is coming from Rye Deli. Figuring that out is the easy part. Trying to decide what to eat once inside is far more difficult. Owner Hal Robinson and his wife, Michal, opened Rye Deli this summer and are thrilled to bring an exciting new option for takeout and catering to the region. Since studying at the Academy of Culinary Arts in Mays Landing, New Jersey, Mr. Robinson has spent many years in the restaurant industry, working at numerous restaurants and catering companies. When the space in Springfield opened up, the Robinsons were thrilled to begin their new venture in their hometown.
“The Jewish community in Springfield is growing and it is just amazing,” said Mrs. Robinson, who is a teacher at the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston during the day and assists her husband at the restaurant in the evenings. “More than 20 young Orthodox families have moved to the area in just the last two years and we really feel this area has a lot of potential,” she said, noting that Springfield has Orthodox, Conservative and Reform synagogues, in addition to a Chabad. Of course, the Robinsons are also optimistic that people will travel from surrounding areas for their wide selection of sandwiches, side dishes, and meat and fish entrees. With so much to choose from, where does one begin? Do not let the name mislead you—though they have all of the standard deli favorites, such as roast beef, corned beef, turkey and pastrami, there are also many options that you won’t find anywhere else. “The slow-cooked barbecue brisket sandwich is very popular,” said Mr. Robinson, who serves the sandwich with what the menu calls “Hal’s Famous BBQ Sauce.” Mrs. Robinson says that the Chick-A-Mi sandwich is also a favorite, which has breaded chicken, pastrami, caramelized onions and honey mustard dressing. There are also wraps, including a Reuben and a steak wrap; hamburgers with toppings including pastrami or a fried egg; and Middle Eastern favorites such as falafel, shawarma and Moroccan cigars.
The Robinsons are very excited to bring their unique menu to the community where they have lived for 20 years, and are looking forward to tailoring their cooking to customers’ needs. “We can cater any event—engagement parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, sheva brachot—anything!” said Mrs. Robinson. It is also the perfect place to stop in for a salad for lunch, or to pick up dinner for the whole family. In addition, Rye Deli caters and delivers corporate lunches and offers a Shabbos special, which includes roasted chicken, soup, a side dish and two salads. As the High Holidays approach, they also have a special Rosh Hashanah menu with meat dishes, fish, side dishes and more. There is no question that a stop at Rye Deli should be on everyone’s list of New Year’s resolutions.
Rye Deli (glatt kosher under the supervision of the Vaad Harabonim of MetroWest) is located at 779 Mountain Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081. For more information, please call 973.564.8144 or visit www.ryedelinj.com.
By Rachel Jager
