Meshugana Deli — Restaurant in Florida

The pastrami was good very flavorful. I usually get a corned beef Reuben, but the pastrami looked way better. The corned beef looked extremely fatty. The girls that were working were great, which is why I’m giving 2 stars and not 1. However, the guy that was making the sandwiches should not be within earshot of customers. We ordered our sandwich without sauce, but he added sauce and then asked me if it was ok- I politely said no. He made it prior to seeing the ticket. Immediately he started cursing and complaining, and kept cursing throughout making the second sandwich. I just stood their quietly. When I got our food it was cold. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want myself or the girls to have to deal with the guy’s behavior. It appears that this is normal for him, which was shocking to hear. My son wanted dessert so I went up to order cheesecake. The very pleasant girl asked how the sandwich was and I didn’t really say anything other than it was ok. She engaged with me and I finally said it would have been better if it was grilled. She apologized for the cold sandwich and the guy, which I said was not necessary. We got the cheesecake and sat back down. It was extremely good. The counter girl came over, apologized again for the guy- crazy that he never did. I guess as soon as the owner leaves the guy shuts the grill off to clean it, but then he is supposed to use a skillet to heat/cook the sandwiches- not sure if he did. I was really excited to try this place. I was really surprised based on what I knew of the owner’s journey to this place that he would have someone of this character working for him, but maybe no one has brought it to his attention or he doesn’t believe it bc the guy is very different when he’s present. I don’t know if I’ll be back. The experience def doesn’t make me want to go back anytime soon for a $21 sandwich plus tip, and an additional 3.99% admin fee- this was a first, and surprising. There’s a very small sign by the register that states the admin fee, it is not...

Born August 1951 and raised in San Francisco by my Costa Rican / German family of carnivores, I had no idea what pastrami was.

Even though my Grandfather was a deli afficionado loving his German blood sausage, Italian Genoa salami and mortadella, he never brought home pastrami.

Not until Howard Heshi opened his Jewish deli on Montgomery Street, the “Wall Street” of San Francisco, did I devour my very 1st “strami”, as Howard monikered it.

400-pound Howard was famous for wearing a Tony Soprano “wife beater” sleeveless t-shirt, and perspired over the scrumptiously steamed pastrami.

He would kid the guests that queued-up around the block that his sweat added that little extra salt that was missing!

Moving to Los Angeles, Nate ‘n Al’s in Beverly Hills became the new home for my “strami” fix.

Surrounded by movie stars and the Hollywood hoi polloi that I purposely ignored, I was in heaven, vacuuming my Kosher delights.

Also in Los Angeles, I frequented Fromin’s in Santa Monica, where the “B” level wannabe actors were relegated to.

Yet Fromin’s featured the #1 matzo ball soup in all of Lost Angels.

Traveling the entire U.S. for 30 years, I was graced with eating several times at my #1 Jewish deli of all time, CARNEGIE!

Shuttered in 2016, they served better “strami” than Katz’s in NYC, Mill Basin in Brooklyn, Harold’s in Edison, N.J., Wise Bros. in San Francisco and even “The Temple”, Wolfie’s Rascal House in Miami, that closed in 2008.

Sarasotans are blessed that Executive Chef Adam Woldman opened his New York style Meshugana Kosher Deli on 4001 Clark Road.

Situated in an impeccably clean establishment, Chef Adam serves an equivalent to Carnegie Deli's world's #1 pastrami sandwich, and an even better than Fromin’s matzo ball soup.

The “strami” is succulently tender and sumptuous, and features the necessary charred edges for that once in a lifetime flavor!

Please visit Meshugana and enjoy one of your very best meals ever.

Chef Adam and his affable team deserve our * Award for...

Made the drive up from Cape Coral today and I have to say we were all blown away! The sandwiches (pastrami, corned beef) are HUGE!! The matzo ball soup was amazing. I personally think I make the best but I have to say this was as good as mine.. Maybe even a bit better! The owner Adam was so friendly and even tho he was busy took time out to talk to our family. Now this was an amazing find... As soon as we walked in my eyes went right to the counter and what did I see?? BELLY LOX!!! OMG we have been searching far and wide to find belly lox closer to us than a trip to the east coast or St. Pete. And there it was and the price? So much lower than either place we have traveled to get it! The knish was fabulous inside potato creamy soft. Also my hubby searches far and wide to find green half sour pickles and theirs were incredible crisp as a good half sour should be. Hubby loved the Cole slaw creamy and sweet not the sour vinegar version that you find in so many places. This is the REAL DEAL For someone looking for a good Jewish Deli. Thank you Adam for treating us so well with you delicious deli treats. They also have a full compliment of bakery items but other than the rugelah which were great we will have to wait to try on our next visits! I know we will be making a trip back soon. Donna & Larry...