Geshmak, the Yiddish word for delicious or tasty, perfectly describes every dish at Kenny & Ziggy’s in Houston.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd sits down with Houston icon Ziggy Gruber to learn more about the Jewish food traditions that have been delighting diners at his deli for 25 years.
Kenny & Ziggy’s
1743 Post Oak Blvd | Houston
As the owner of the renowned deli Kenny & Ziggy’s, Gruber made an indelible impact on Houston’s food culture by bringing his New York-style deli to Houston in 1999. The deli offers traditional dishes like kugel and matzoh ball soup, over-the-top versions of classic deli sandwiches, smoked salmon and house-made pastrami. A packed deli counter is loaded with prepared foods to grab and go.
Gruber’s style comes from his family-centric upbringing in New York. He’s a third-generation deli owner, continuing a family legacy that has thrived across multiple cities.
Shepherd is quick to point out that Gruber’s dedication to preserving and sharing his Jewish culinary traditions is key to the deli’s success – that and some really tasty, Texas-sized dishes! From the sky-high pastrami and corned beef sandwich to the must-share cabbage roll appetizer, Shepherd tries some of Gruber’s favorite traditional dishes along with deli classics while they catch up and learn about Gruber’s journey from New York to Houston.
In a rare caught off guard moment, Gruber also leaves Chris speechless with his position on pecan pie. Watch the video to see it all play out!
“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.
Season 2 of “Eat Like a Local”
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- SEASON 2, EPISODE 29: Houston Texans fans! These are the best bites you’ll find at NRG Stadium
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 30: What to order at some of Houston’s best neighborhood restaurants
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 31: Bring on the cookies! ‘Eat Like a Local’ visits some of the best bakers in town
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 32: This cocktail laboratory has a secret entrance
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 33: THEN AND NOW: How one of Houston’s most popular fried chicken restaurants came to be
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 34: Indian food to celebrate during Diwali and all year round
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 35: Pho and more 🍜 These Houston area restaurants have mastered the art of making noodles
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 36: Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of West African cuisine in Houston
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 37: DELI-cious! Sandwiches and more are on the menu in this ‘Eat Like a Local’
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 38: Take a tour of Houston’s tasty tamale scene with ‘Eat Like a Local’
- SEASON 2, EPISODE 39: The best of Houston’s Pakistani food scene