Delicatessen HAM......

[Peter B Wolf]

Please, all, help me out.

I love a good Ham. A very tasty Ham. I am talking about a Deli Ham. A boiled kind Sandwich Ham. Rich with some fat and very flavorful, the better. I love a Ham that is heavily smoked, but with a smoke of distinguished nuances which will prevail throughout. I do not care for any Ham which is ‘ Sugar “ cured, or even ‘sees’ sugar during manufacture, or contains flavoring agents like Maple or similar. Neither do I care for the “ Virginia “ or “ Country “ style Hams

I believe Hams of the style to my liking are originating from Poland, or at times a ‘ Cotto ‘ from Italy will fit my bill.

I know the Boiled Ham from Kogler at Grand Central Station in the City is what I like.

So , where in any of the Boroughs, anywhere, even NJ or CT, will I find

“ MY Ham “ ? ( as said, besides Kogler’s )

And, while I am at it, who makes or carries the best tasting of the following:

· Mortadella

· Liverwurst (preferred smoked)

· Hard Salami

· And other Charcuterie

Detailed Info would be, or rather is, appreciated.

[raji]

Salumeria Belliese is probably your best bet in the city, if not going the french route (honestly what beats a good saucisson sec) - you can get some pretty cool Chinese sausages/hams in Chinatown, if you like those. Esposito's are pork specialists but I think all their ahms are imported from Italy...

[Luckylies]

Bzginski (SP!) at East village meat market is the best sandwich ham in the city...it's polish. 2nd ave bet St.marks and 9th.

[weinoo]

Salumeria Belliese is probably your best bet in the city, if not going the french route (honestly what beats a good saucisson sec) - you can get some pretty cool Chinese sausages/hams in Chinatown, if you like those. Esposito's are pork specialists but I think all their ahms are imported from Italy...

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As much as I like their products, Salumeria Belliese is not exactly the greatest place to walk into for sampling and buying cured meats...the store itself is just not that inviting, imo. Of course, the guanciale is pretty much the best US made stuff you can find, though La Quercia, in Idaho is making some gorgeous stuff as well. I've found their guanciale in the past at DiPalo's, and their prosciutto is pretty tasty, and tasting is encouraged.

Fra' Mani is now putting out beautiful US made mortadella, dry chorizo and a number of salumi...I believe Whole Foods carries the line, and you can sample to your heart's content, though make sure you tell them how you want it sliced, or it'll be too thin, 'cause that's the way their customers like it.

Grace's Market as well as Agata & Valentina have a nice selection of cured porky products - I know A&V carries the Fra' Mani line.

Coincidentally, I was at Grand Central today, and was really impressed with Kogler's offerings...man, they sell a lot of types of cured meat and liverwurst...the sad part is most everything was pre-sliced in the case - the better to rush those harried commuters on through. And an easy way to offer samples, but not the greatest way to maintain freshness. I'd just ask for chunks and cut the stuff up at home.

[ludja]

What about Schaller and Weber? (I've not had their goods but have known and read about them.)

http://www.schallerweber.com/

[weinoo]

What about Schaller and Weber?  (I've not had their goods but have known and read about them.)

http://www.schallerweber.com/

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Absolutely great stuff, in a great old store. 86th - 85th on 2nd.

[ghostrider]

Best ham I know is Thumann's Black Forest - smoky, not overly salty, nice bits of fat under the nicely browned skin, full of flavor - meets all of your criteria. Reminds me of certain hams I had in Switzerland.

It's available at the Spring Deli & Cold Cuts Center here in Rutherford NJ, for one. Since Thumann's plant is just up the road in Carlstadt, it should be pretty widely available here in the region.