Dream Deli Marries Jewish and Italian Deli Traditions in Portland

"[Jewish and Italian deli items] are some of our favorite deli traditions that we've experienced across a couple of different states, especially LA," Bissell says, "and then being able to take those influences and use that as a jumping off point, then really highlighting everything that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, from the amazing produce to seafood to shellfish to ranches 20 miles outside of the city, and using this awesome bounty of product."

"Say hello to Dream Deli, a new daytime eatery from couple John Bissell and Jessie Levine bringing Jewish and Italian deli classics to Richmond as of Friday, November 28. Bissell hails from Ava Gene's, as well as Boulder's OAK at Fourteenth and Hippo in Los Angeles, while Levine does public relations for restaurants and writes. Now, their modern deli, which is opening Friday, will make items like corned brisket on marble rye and pane bianco through a Pacific Northwest lens of produce and meat."

Dream Deli opened in Richmond on November 28 as a daytime eatery from John Bissell and Jessie Levine. The menu combines Jewish and Italian deli classics like corned brisket on marble rye and pane bianco with a Pacific Northwest lens emphasizing local produce, seafood, shellfish, and nearby ranch meats. Bissell brings experience from Ava Gene's, OAK at Fourteenth, and Hippo; Levine works in restaurant public relations and writes. The concept grew from long-held ambitions for a daytime restaurant, originally imagined as a butcher shop or bakery, and aims to be community-oriented.

Read at Eater Portland