Exploding Matzo Balls with guest Aaron Israel of Shalom Japan

Liz and Jeffrey are back for Episode 2 of Meet Me At The Deli—and they've invited a special guest to slide into their vinyl deli booth. Chef Aaron Israel of the legendary Brooklyn eatery Shalom Japan joins our co-hosts to talk about the science and art of a good matzoh ball, how to keep your matzoh balls intact, and the most pungent dish the Gefilteria duo has ever pickled.Shalom Japan is most famous for its Matzoh Ball Ramen, which you'll hear Jeffrey and Liz talk about in the episode, as well as for its Shark Tank-Approved Matzoh Ball Ramen kits. Visit their Brooklyn location and learn more at https://shalomjapannyc.com.Episode Show Notes:Mile End Deli, a Montreal-style deli in Brooklyn: https://www.mileenddeli.com/Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen in San Francisco: https://www.wisesonsdeli.com/Food Stories Conversation Card Deck: https://foodstories.cards/products/food-stories-conversation-card-deckGuinness World Record for Largest Matzoh Ball Soup: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/03/06/jewish-chef-eitan-bernath-sets-new-guinness-world-record-making-largest-matzah-ball-soup/And a special shoutout to Wolf, whose pickle science fair project may not have won an award, but has made his dad and Jeffrey, as well as our podcast community very, very happy.This episode was produced by Felicia Reich and edited by Stella Hofferman.Got a burning question on Jewish cooking and deli culture? Submit your question at https://tinyurl.com/GefilteHotline!Meet Me At The Deli is co-hosted by Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz of The Gefilteria. Visit gefilteria.com for recipes, workshops, The Gefilte Manifesto cookbook, and more.This show is an Original podcast by Heeb Media, an independent digital platform for subversive Jewish culture. Circumcision not required.Catch episode highlights on Heeb Media's YouTube page!Follow:Instagram: @gefilteriaInstagram: @heebmediaYouTube: @HeebMediaSupport this show by subscribing, rating, and leaving us a review. Join the Heeb Media Guild and shape the future of Jewish subculture and entertainment! Become a member here: https://heebmedia.com/pages/becomeamember