Essen New York Deli - Midwood / BK

Having only opened a couple years ago (probably to fill the void of kosher delis in Brooklyn), Essen definitely features more of an orthodox clientele than I've seen at any of the kosher delis to date, most obviously because of the very religious Midwood neighborhood in which it is located.  That being said, they cook up a great hot pastrami sandwich.  [The colors looks off in photo below, thanks to my new camera-phone.  I'm awaiting a software update that should fix it.]  Compared to other delis, this wasn't as spiced and didn't have that darker edge seen elsewhere.  And although it was a bit fattier than at some of the other delis, the pastrami is sliced very thin and practically melts in your mouth (thanks to the extra fat).  The sandwich is definitely appropriately stuffed, but the bread is lame... a very cheap, almost white-breadish consistency with a tough crust.

Now, we hit the exciting part.  We decided to try "The Grand Coney Knish," which is a square Coney Island-style knish cut open and covered in brisket and gravy.  Sure, this is a pastrami blog, but holy crap, this was delicious.  Tender, moist brisket in a delicious, thick gravy with plenty of extra gravy left for dipping the lame-o rye bread.  And the knish underneath, maybe because it had soaked up some gravy, might have been the best knish I've ever had.  So, yes, if nothing else, on the way back from a trip to the beach, get off at Avenue J and enjoy "The Grand Coney Knish."  Mmmmmmmm....




Essen New York Deli
1359 Coney Island Ave, Midwood, Brooklyn
 Q  train to "Avenue J"
http://www.essennydeli.com

$12.95

P.S.  This deli also has Chinese food.  That scared me because kosher restaurants that try to do too much, don't do anything well.  That being said, they did a good job on the deli.  Not sure I'm going to try their Chinese.