South Florida Food 50: Josh Marcus of Josh’s Deli

Josh Marcus, chef-owner of Josh’s Deli

Why he’s Food 50: He’s blazing a trail with the most unorthodox Jewish deli Miami has ever seen.

The Jewban Sandwich (with pork and pastrami). The Hee-Bru-Rito (pastrami and eggs in a chili-smothered burrito). Octopus ’n’ Grits (smoked sausage brings it all together). These are a few of the ways chef Josh Marcus mashes up classic Jewish deli food with Miami’s greatest hits, to unfailing success. His tiny Josh’s Deli wears its from-scratch ethos on its sleeve, with a line cook who started as a server and desserts made by a regular customer.

Marcus’ star is rising. Startup burger chain Sliderz tapped him to consult on its menu. And Barbacoa, his recent invitation-only Mexican-taqueria-meets-American-BBQ pop-up, was such a hit that Marcus is bringing it back for a reprise in April. Humble but hungry, reverent but ready to shake things up, Marcus is one of Miami’s most underrated chefs, making food with a serious sense of place.

Where to find him: Josh’s Deli, 9517 Harding Ave., Surfside; 305-397-8494

Web: joshsdeli.com

Instagram: @joshsdeli

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 4:00 AM with the headline "South Florida Food 50: Josh Marcus of Josh’s Deli."