A Florida woman has turned her love for pastrami into a thriving online community with over 2,000 members. Ellen Fried, 66, runs a Facebook group called “Ellen Loves Pastrami,” where she organizes nationwide meetups at delis, or “meat ups” as she playfully calls them. Her goal is simple — to find restaurants that still take pride in preparing their own pastrami.
Originally from near Atlantic City, New Jersey, Fried now lives in Delray Beach. Her events span from South Florida to Southern California, with past meetups also held in New York City, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia. She launched the group in 2009 after meeting David Sax, author of Save the Deli, and has since become a friendly face in the niche world of deli food culture.
Fried also manages other food-themed Facebook groups like “Ellen Loves Burgers” and “Fried Loves Fried Chicken,” but the pastrami group remains her most popular. She says it’s where debates get the most lively, with members comparing favorites and critiquing deli standards that have changed over the years.
One longtime attendee, Jeff Lanigan, 78, met Fried in 2015 at Harold’s New York Deli in Edison, New Jersey. Now splitting time between New Jersey and South Florida, Lanigan and his wife regularly join the group’s events. He says they enjoy the social aspect and love being part of something that keeps traditional deli culture alive.
Fried believes the charm of pastrami lies in its unique flavor and the challenge of finding high-quality options. While burgers are easy to come by, she says tracking down great pastrami is more rewarding. Whether fatty, lean, or spicy, the meat draws a diverse crowd who simply enjoy a shared love for the sandwich staple.
For Fried and her followers, it’s about more than food. It’s about keeping memories alive, meeting new people, and celebrating something deeply rooted in cultural tradition — one bite at a time.
