DZ Akin's is probably the closest thing that San Diego has to a decent Jewish deli. Unfortunately, it's still a pale imitation of the real thing.
It's not that DZ Akin's is bad, but I still feel that I'm just eating same-old cold cuts -- not much better than what I could buy in a supermarket. That goes for most of the sandwich meats, whether it's brisket, corned beef, pastrami, turkey. They taste decent, maybe a little dry, but with generous portions.
I do enjoy their matzo ball and kreplach soups. A big, spongy ball of starch soaking in a simple, homey chicken broth. It's the perfect comfort food.
If you haven't had house-cured pastrami or corned beef from a great Jewish deli, you're really missing out. Proper pastrami is luscious, well-marbled, juicy, and tender. The first time I tried it, it was a near-religious experience.
I heard that The Linkery has started making their own pastrami, but in limited amounts, so maybe San Diegans will be able to enjoy the real thing soon.
