Now a Deli with Far Eastern Flair

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		River Delight
		Now a Deli with Far Eastern Flair

Marking the northernmost outpost for glatt kosher dining of traditional Jewish cuisine in New York City, River Delight has earned distinction in several other unique ways as well. To begin, you simply won't find better corned beef or pastrami anywhere in the city. For lovers of these delicacies, this alone should start them heading north (or south) on the Henry Hudson Parkway. But, the story doesn't end there. At River Delight deli has always shared the menu with Middle Eastern favorites such as kebobs, schawarma, falafel, and pita sandwiches, which rival restaurants that exclusively serve this cuisine. Always looking to go one better for their customers, this year River Delight has introduced a complete sushi menu, as well.

Whichever menu you order from you should know that everything is made in-house. That includes the all the baked goods right down to the delicious parve “ice cream” cake. Preservatives are never used and everything is very fresh. Uri Allon, owner and catalyst for many of River Delight’s recipes and unique cooking techniques, emphasized that fresh herbs are used exclusively, as is extra virgin olive oil. Health concerns are never far from Uri’s mind as he explains that all the meat in River Delight is marinated before being charcoal grilled. Apparently, the marinating process cuts down on the carcinogens that would be present otherwise. In another accommodation to health concerns, the use of salt has been cut down drastically, while, incredibly, not compromising on flavor or taste.

Sushi, initially a popular fad with the Jewish community has quickly gained a more permanent status as a cuisine of choice. Responding to this increasing demand, River Delight has put together a selection of sushi and assorted sushi rolls that will satisfy the most ardent sushi fan. Special rolls, some named after local sites, such as the Hudson River (not necessarily the best choice for a name), the Riverdale and the Johnson Ave. include mock crab, mock shrimp or smoked salmon. Sushi combos, ranging in price from $14.95 (for one) to $34.95 (for two) includes the Sushi Boat On The River Delight made up of (7) pieces of Sushi, (2) Special Rolls and (4) Regular Rolls are a perfect way to sample the variety offered. On a smaller scale, the a la cart, Mixed Sushi selection offers a choice of any seven pieces.

A recent visit to River delight allowed me to sample both this new sushi menu and to enjoy, once again, their wonderful deli selections. It seems almost needless to say that the sushi is very fresh. The a la carte selections are served on the traditional wood board with the customary Japanese flourishes. For the uninitiated, sushi is raw fish that is served either wrapped into a roll with a variety of vegetables or served on a bed of rice. It comes almost as a surprise that raw fish does not taste fishy. Rolls consist of different vegetable combinations (avocado, scallion, cucumber, carrot and asparagus, etc.) with a small piece of raw fish wrapped in seaweed. At River Delight the selection of fish is a choice between primarily Tuna or Salmon (although the selections can vary in the future.) The rolls are then dipped into teriyaki or hot pepper sauce and can be eaten with wasabe, a type of hot, Japanese horseradish or ginger.

Turning to the deli menu, I ordered the White Bean Soup, the Soup of the Day, a full bodied soup filled with beans and based in tomato. The new restraint in the use of salt was evident immediately. On my last visit I had found the soup a bit too salty, this time I found myself adding some. Salt apart, however, the good homemade flavor was still there. For the entrees I ordered the requisite pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, along with beef kebob, a sampling of schawarma, and the Grilled Chicken Breast in Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Although my plan was just to take a couple of bites from each entrée, things just didn’t work out that way.

As I had found on my last visit here, the corned beef and pastrami sandwiches are so good that you just can't be satisfied with just a bite or two! Both deli sandwiches are far and away my absolute favorite things to order here. The meat is of top rate quality, not in the least bit tough or stringy and though very lean it is moist and flavorful. The pastrami has a slightly smoked flavor that makes it particularly delicious. I ended up devouring (literally) the entire deli sandwich (1/2 sandwich of each meat). The spicy fries that I ordered as a side dish proved to be the perfect complement to the sandwiches. Made with a blend of eight different spices (an Uri Allon original recipe) the fries were crispy, light and absolutely delicious, so much so that I actually ordered a second portion!

The beef kebob places second in my list of must orders. Although the chunks of meat are thick and nice sized, they are not in the least bit chewy. The marinade that has permeated throughout, imparts a really nice juicy flavor to the meat. Served on a bed of rice (potato was another option) and a choice of vegetables, the kebob makes for a hearty meal in itself. The schawarma, the kebobs, grilled chicken, and falafel can also be ordered in a pita, a nice lunch option. An exciting all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is being instituted as you read this.

Be sure to leave room for dessert, especially the homemade parve “ice cream” cake. It tastes authentic and is a very nice and light way to finish your meal.

The layout of the restaurant has also seen some changes in the last year. The first room is now dominated by the glass showcase/service counter which has usurped the area once occupied by several tables, testament to the expansion of their takeout business. The long and narrow dining room retains its mahogany stained woodwork and choral colored walls. The tables (with seating for 90) sport white tablecloths and are decked out with fresh flowers daily. On the weekends, you might even find candles setting a romantic mood. During the winter months, the restaurant is planning to open on Motzei Shabbos during which time live entertainment will be offered. For the most part, however the mood is casual.

Situated minutes from the George Washington Bridge and just off the Henry Hudson Parkway, River Delight is on the way to upstate and is especially convenient to Westchester, and to Northern New Jersey. Stop by, say hello to Uri, have a wonderful meal there or bring it home!


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