Delray Beach Woman Connects Deli Lovers Through Facebook Group

A Florida woman has brought together a community of deli enthusiasts through her Facebook group, which boasts over 2,000 members. Ellen Freed organizes “Meat Ups” across the country, celebrating her love for pastrami and delicatessen food.

Freed’s group, “Ellen Love Pastrami,” aims to discover restaurants that take the time to prepare their pastrami with care. It seems like a simple mission, but it’s fueled by a deep passion for deli culture. She originally hails from Atlantic City, New Jersey, but now calls Delray Beach, Florida, home. Freed has been hosting these meetups nationwide, from South Florida all the way to Southern California.

Her journey into this culinary adventure began in 2009 after meeting David Sax, the author of “Save the Deli: Perfect Pastrami, Finding Crusty Rye and the Heart of Jewish Delicatessen.” Since then, her enthusiasm has expanded into several other Facebook groups, including “Eren Love Burger,” “Eren Love Beef Rib, Brisket & Steak,” and “Fried Lubric Fried Chicken.”

“The Pastrami group is definitely the most popular,” Freed notes. “People love discussing their favorite pastrami places, though I think we all agree that not all are created equal.” She mentioned that other “Meat Ups” occur in cities like Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and New York City.

Reflecting on her youth, Freed said, “Back in the day, we didn’t stress over where to find good pastrami. Our local delis had what we wanted, but now it feels harder to track down good options.”

Jeff Lanigan, a 78-year-old who splits his time between New Jersey and South Florida, shares a similar passion for these gatherings. He and his wife attended Freed’s latest meetup in April at a kosher delicatessen in Boca Raton, expressing how much they enjoy the social aspect of it.

So, what exactly makes pastrami stand out? Freed described it as comforting, with a spice level that distinguishes it from other deli meats. While she also enjoys corned beef, she added that finding a good burger is usually easier than securing quality pastrami across the nation.

It’s pretty clear there’s a certain thrill in hunting down good pastrami. Lanigan applauded Freed for her efforts in keeping deli traditions alive, calling her “salt of the earth.” He noted, “No matter where she goes, she finds something good.” This enthusiasm resonates with many others who share a love for pastrami.

“People have different preferences—some prefer it oily, others like it spicy—but there’s something for everyone,” Lanigan shared. “At the end of the day, everyone has fun. Even if it’s not the best I’ve had, it’s still better than nothing.”