BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — BY MORTY EATOWITZ, Food Critic — If you agree that the concept of a Latke Tot is a good idea, then you will agree that the idea of Zinger’s Delicatessen is a good idea as well. Relatively new to Central Boca, Zinger’s is about as close as you’ll come to a true New York Deli, like Carnegie Deli, in Boca. How that’s possible is somewhat of a mystery, but Zinger’s fills the void between Ben’s which abides by strict Kosher rules, and TooJay’s which is, quite simple, a chain.
The interior is all deli. You won’t be mistaking it for Capital Grille. There are ultra-shiny tables and booths occupying two thirds of the restaurant, and a walk up deli and display case taking over the rest. Flatscreen TV’s throughout the restaurant are a nice modern touch, but the sound turned down means they won’t bother you if you don’t want to watch. There is a refrigerator with “home made” food for purchase, and the expected assortment of Dr. Brown’s sodas — a must for the real deli experience.
Zinger’s tag line is “Best Of Your Favorites” and it’s a tag line that fits. In addition to deli staples like a corned beef sandwich, there’s “old neighborhood food” like a Philly Cheesesteak, a Coney Island Hot Dog, a Chicago Hot Dog, and Cold Meatloaf Sandwich. I enjoyed the Philly Cheesesteak, and while you won’t confuse it with South Street, it was really quite good. Side dish items are plentiful. We tried the Latke Tot which is their deli-ized version of a tater tot. It’s the delicious offspring of your grandmother’s potato latke and a french fry. Morty Eatowitz recommends it.
My first dining partner enjoyed the Spinach Knish which she said was quite tasty, and also snacked on the Kasha Varnishkas. My second dining partner — aged two — wasn’t in the mood for the very fried chicken fingers, so instead devoured a piece of ultra-fresh rye bread provided by Zinger’s and food we brought from home. And this is the only disappointment for Zinger’s. The children’s menu is extremely lacking, just three items: a hot dog, chicken fingers, and a junior hamburger. Many restaurants catering to families in Boca offer a vast array of food for the under 12 crowd, including grilled cheese and a form of pasta, and most importantly, healthy items like fruit. We have to believe that Zinger’s will ultimately do so as well. Unlike Ben’s, however, Zinger’s is completely fine with guests bringing food for their kids, so this is more of a “know before you go” suggestion than a reason not to add Zinger’s to your dining list.
The service was fantastic. Unlike the true New York City experience, you won’t be waiting half an hour to be seated or for your waiter or waitress to take your order and check back in. The restaurant is also extraordinarily clean.
If you are looking for a great Northeast deli experience, Morty Eatowitz can’t recommend Zinger’s enough. On our Morty scale of 1 to 5, where “More Morty’s Mean More,” we give Zinger’s 4 and a half Morty’s. We’ll up that to five when the kid’s menu is expanded.
WHAT: Zinger’s Delicatessen.
WHERE: Powerline and Palmetto Park Road — 7132 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, FL 33433.
PHONE: 561-826-7323
WEB: http://www.ZingersDeli.com (seems to be in the process of being built).
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
