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As we celebrate National Sandwich Day, it's important to honor the place that has provided countless generations with all the tasty cold cuts and side items they can handle: the Jewish deli. And honor the deli we did, at the URDB/Save the Deli event at New York City's Ben's Delicatessen. Asylum's Nicholas Nadel and Urlesque's Lindsey Weber were on hand to partake of the tasty brisket and enjoy the musical comedy stylings of Jelvis, the Jewish Elvis.



The event coincided with the release of David Sax's "Save the Deli," a chronicle of one deli fanatic's tour through the world of matzo ball soup and potato knishes. The URDB, which keeps records on everything from "Largest Group Eskimo Kiss" to "Most 'Big Lebowski' Phrases Uttered in One Minute." officiated a variety of fun deli-related records. Nick broke the record for "Most Side Items Ordered in 30 Seconds" (16), while Lindsey channeled her inner Meg Ryan with her record for "Most 'I'll Have What She's Havings' in Under a Minute" (a whopping 22). Meanwhile, Jelvis holds the record for being the world's awesomest Jewish Elvis impersonator.

For his book, Sax visited delis in places like Los Angeles, Detroit, Texas, and even Europe. "You walk into a Jewish deli and close your eyes, you could be in a Jewish deli anywhere. They all have a universal feel ... the smell, that sound of clashing dishes." Sax recalls going to a deli in Montreal at the age of 9. "It was the first time I had mustard. The whole experience was really overwhelming. It was probably one of the most memorable meals of my entire life."

While he acknowledges that deli culture has taken a hit in our waistline-conscious times, Sax says, "It's a good time for people to discover the deli again." We wholeheartedly agree. What could be more comforting in troubling times than a giant pastrami sandwich?