When DGS Delicatessen opened in June in the Mosaic District, Merrifield got a deli with just the right amount of attitude. Executive chef Brian Robinson, who grew up eating traditional Jewish foods, thinks his dad would be on board with the direction he’s taken but suspects his mom might raise her eyebrows. “It’s not the norm by any stretch,” he says, “but one thing that makes us different is our ability to improvise.” www.dgsdelicatessen.com
The Original: Potato Latkes w/ sour cream
The Trendy Take: Latke Poutine
Canada meets Brooklyn in this dish that tops crispy potato latkes with a gravy Robinson makes from brisket jus that’s been cooked down with sweet onions. Queso fresco replaces the cheese curds commonly associated with poutine.
The Original: Bagels & Lox
The Trendy Take: Smoked Salmon Nachos
DGS makes its own bagel chips and layers them with smoked salmon, radishes, tomatoes and chives. Two drizzled sauces add spunk: a horseradish cream replacing nacho cheese and an avocado cream mimicking guacamole.
The Original: Reuben Sandwich
The Trendy Take: Reuben Egg Roll
DGS fuses this Chinese takeout staple with a Jewish deli’s signature sandwich to get the Reuben Egg Roll. A wonton wrapper is filled with corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut before hitting the deep fryer. The addictive snack is served with a kicked-up Russian dressing dipper.