There have been dozens of pastrami- and smoked-meat-related discussions on eGullet, and there are several active right now. Here's a recent sampling: Pastrami News http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=20329 Defining Barbecue http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?act=ST&f=1&t=24408 Smoked Corned Beef Would you like some? http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=17639 corned beef vs. pastrami stupid question but... http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?act=S