Jonathan Bornstein loves sandwiches. I mean, who doesn’t? But Jonathan loves them so much that he’s created a food blog, Enjoy Every Sandwich, compiling the very best eats between two pieces of bread in Boston and beyond. I talked to Jonathan, food blogger to food blogger, about his favorite finds and why certain Jewish foods in Boston leaves him cold.
What’s the story behind the name of your blog?
The name of my blog pays tribute to a Warren Zevon song which he wrote when he was dying of cancer. I lost my father when I was 20, so the idea of enjoying every sandwich, even the smallest moments in life, became a mantra for me. And, I really love sandwiches.
How did you get into blogging?
I always wanted to write, but never had the right format for it, and could never figure out what I wanted to write about. But, I’d always find myself talking about food. And when I’d be talking to someone about a restaurant I would say, “Well, you should try this sandwich, but get it with a slice of this, and ask for a side of…” I’m part of a third-generation family business, so I love supporting small, independent shops. Many of these places don’t know how to market themselves. I’m not looking to get paid to write about these businesses, I want to bring attention to those places.
When you’re not blogging, how do you spend your time?
My family owns a flooring distribution company, L. Bornstein & Co. My friends would kid me by calling me the “Carpet King of New England.” I do a lot of traveling all over New England for my job, which is how I’ve discovered all these small restaurants. Like I mentioned before, I love highlighting independently-owned diners and restaurants because we, too, are an independently owned business.
I noticed on your blog you mentioned you don’t care for certain “Jewish foods.” Nu, so no deli for a blog about enjoying sandwiches?
Well, I think eating for Jews is a big part of what we do. We take something mundane that most people take for granted and raise it onto a pedestal with a bracha. I’ve always seen a connection between food and love. Everyone in my family takes great joy in feeding me.
Now, about the lack of “Jewish” foods on my blog: You (Molly) lived in New York, so you know about the 2nd Avenue Deli, or Katz’s, or The Carnegie Deli. Haven’t you ever had the conversation about how there’s no good deli in Boston? There used to be three “Jewish” delis in Newton, but not anymore. I only want to write about places I really enjoy; the last thing I want to do is write about a place I don’t like. I’ve learned that a lot of my readers love my pictures of food, so I want to provide a good review and a good photo. If I don’t have either of those things I don’t want to write about it.
Has this interview whet your appetite? Find food events, blogs, and recipes!
Four Questions is a weekly interview column featuring interesting people connected with the Greater Boston Jewish community. Find past columns here. Have an idea of someone we should interview? Email Molly!
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