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Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing
From the legendary New York destination for Jewish appetizing, a beautiful and inspiring cookbook that encompasses history, tradition, and absolutely delicious food
In 1907, a Jewish immigrant named Joel Russ landed in New York City, where he took a pushcart of smoked herring and built a legacy that would pass down through fathers and daughters (and sons and husbands and wives) for more than a hundred years. Four generations later, the ancestral heart of Russ & Daughters continues to bustle on the Lower East Side, with three more locations throughout the city .
Over the course of a century, Russ & Daughters has fed hundreds of thousands of customers, many considering a visit to the original shop on East Houston a family tradition or weekly ritual. Now, for the first time, Russ & Daughters brings its world-famous institution into readers’ homes. Its rich history is told through insider anecdotes from the family and characters on both sides of the counter; illuminating guides to its most famed offerings--smoked salmon, sable, sturgeon, herring, and caviar; and more than 100 cherished recipes for favorite foods like latkes, matzo ball soup, and bagel sandwiches, among many others.
Nothing can ever replace the experience of taking a number, kibbitzing with a slicer, waiting in line, and ordering your whitefish or belly lox. Yet this book captures some of that infectious Russ & Daughters appetizing spirit, and most importantly, brings families and friends together around the table.
In 1907, a Jewish immigrant named Joel Russ landed in New York City, where he took a pushcart of smoked herring and built a legacy that would pass down through fathers and daughters (and sons and husbands and wives) for more than a hundred years. Four generations later, the ancestral heart of Russ & Daughters continues to bustle on the Lower East Side, with three more locations throughout the city .
Over the course of a century, Russ & Daughters has fed hundreds of thousands of customers, many considering a visit to the original shop on East Houston a family tradition or weekly ritual. Now, for the first time, Russ & Daughters brings its world-famous institution into readers’ homes. Its rich history is told through insider anecdotes from the family and characters on both sides of the counter; illuminating guides to its most famed offerings--smoked salmon, sable, sturgeon, herring, and caviar; and more than 100 cherished recipes for favorite foods like latkes, matzo ball soup, and bagel sandwiches, among many others.
Nothing can ever replace the experience of taking a number, kibbitzing with a slicer, waiting in line, and ordering your whitefish or belly lox. Yet this book captures some of that infectious Russ & Daughters appetizing spirit, and most importantly, brings families and friends together around the table.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published September 9, 2025
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90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 13, 2025
Dare I say, this is a perfect cookbook?! I live three thousand miles from Russ & Daughters; but after immersing myself in this cookbook, I feel like I know the history, family, and flavors of this NYC institution.
Honestly, I have no notes. Every recipe is laid out beautifully with accompanying pictures. The authors provide an education on their products. I particularly found the photos and descriptions of the different salmon preparations wonderfully informative. The familial history is fascinating to learn. And I felt the inclusion of recipes and cocktails from their restaurant to be a fantastic compliment to their historic appetizing selections.
All that and a gorgeous vibrant cover. I had borrowed this from my local library system, but instantly orders it from my local bookstore.
Honestly, I have no notes. Every recipe is laid out beautifully with accompanying pictures. The authors provide an education on their products. I particularly found the photos and descriptions of the different salmon preparations wonderfully informative. The familial history is fascinating to learn. And I felt the inclusion of recipes and cocktails from their restaurant to be a fantastic compliment to their historic appetizing selections.
All that and a gorgeous vibrant cover. I had borrowed this from my local library system, but instantly orders it from my local bookstore.
December 20, 2025
The story behind the business is amazing, with how it survived four generations, the Great Depression, and the shift to a more educated workforce.
The recipes are a renewal of the traditional lox cuisine of Scandinavian and Eastern Europe
The recipes are a renewal of the traditional lox cuisine of Scandinavian and Eastern Europe
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews