Delicatessen is a Germanloanword which first appeared in English in the late 19th century and is the plural of Delikatesse. The German form was lent from the Frenchdélicatesse, which itself was lent from Italiandelicatezza, from delicato, of which the root word is the Latin adjectivedelicatus, meaning "giving pleasure, delightful, pleasing". The first Americanized short version of this word, deli, came into existence ca. 1954.
History
The German food companyDallmayr is credited with being the first delicatessen created. In 1700, it became the first store to import bananas, mangoes, and plums to the German population from faraway places such as the Canary Islands and China. Over 300 years later, it remains the largest business of its kind in Europe. The first delicatessens to appear in the United States were in New York City in the mid-1800s, with the first known use of this word occurring in 1885. These catered to the German immigrant population living there. As the German-Jewish population increased in New York City during the mid- to late 1800s, kosher delicatessens began to open; the first was founded in 1889. In the United States, by the late 20th to early 21st centuries, supermarkets, local economy stores, and fast food outlets began using the word to describe sections of their stores. The decline of the deli as an independent retail establishment was most noted in New York City: from a high in the 1930s of about 1,500 Jewish delicatessens, only 15 still existed in 2015.
By country and region
Australia
In most of Australia, the term "delicatessen" retains its European meaning of high-quality, expensive foods and stores. Large supermarket chains often have a deli department, and independent delicatessens exist throughout the country. Both types of deli offer a variety of cured meats, sausages, pickled vegetables, dips, breads and olives. In South Australia and Western Australia, "deli" also denotes a small convenience store or milk bar, and some businesses use "deli" as part of their business name. Traditional delicatessens also exist in these states, with "continental delicatessen" sometimes used to indicate the European version.
Canada
In Canada, both meanings of "delicatessen" are used. Customers of European origin often use the term in a manner consistent with its original German meaning but, as in the United States, a deli can be a combined grocery store and restaurant. in London
Europe
In Europe "delicatessen" means high-quality, expensive foods, and stores. In German-speaking countries a common synonym is Feinkost, and shops that sell it are called Feinkostläden. Department stores often have a Delikatessenabteilung. European delicatessens include Fauchon in Paris, Dallmayr in Munich, Julius Meinl am Graben in Vienna, Harrods and Fortnum & Mason in London, Peck in Milan and Jelmoli in Zurich. Although U.S.-style delicatessens are also found in Europe, they appeal to the luxury market. In Russia, shops and supermarket sections approximating U.S.-style delis are called kulinariya and offer salads and main courses. Delicate meats and cheeses, cold-cut and sliced hot, are sold in a separate section. The Eliseevsky food store in central Moscow, with its fin de siècle decor, is similar to a European delicatessen. From the Tsarist era, it was preserved by the Soviets as an outlet for difficult-to-obtain Russian delicacies. Delicatessens may also provide foods from other countries and cultures that are not readily available in local food stores. In Italy, the deli can be called ', negozio di specialità gastronomiche, bottega alimentare and more recently salumeria. In France it is known as a traiteur or '.
United States
In the United States, a delicatessen is often a combined grocery store and restaurant, although the term may also be used for a strictly take-out or sit-down restaurant. Delis offer a broader, fresher menu than fast-food chains, rarely employing fryers and routinely preparing sandwiches to order. They may also serve hot foods from a steam table, similar to a cafeteria. Although delicatessens vary in size, they are typically smaller than grocery stores. American delis sell cold cuts by weight and prepare party trays. In addition to made-to-order sandwiches, many U.S. delicatessens offer made-to-order green salads. Equally common are prepared pasta, potato, chicken, tuna, shrimp, or other salads, displayed under the counter and sold by weight. Precooked chicken, shrimp, or eggplant dishes are also sold. Delicatessens offer a variety of beverages, such as pre-packaged soft drinks, coffee, tea, and milk. Potato chips and similar products, newspapers, and small items such as candy and mints are also usually available. Menus vary according to regional ethnic diversity. Although urban delis rely on ethnic meats, supermarket delis rely on meats similar to their packaged meats. American delicatessen distribution is primarily in older, pedestrian-friendly cities. Delicatessens from a number of cultures can be found. In the United States, many are Italian, Greek, or Jewish, both kosher and "kosher style". The American equivalent of a European delicatessen may be known as a gourmet food store.
