Rita's Deli pt.2: Uruguay is the New Jersey to Argentina's New York

This is the second time we have visited Rita's Deli near the corner of Central Ave. and Scotland Rd. in the valley. Rita's specializes in Uruguayan deli fare, catering to the small but concentrated Uruguayan population of Essex County. Rita has run the kitchen for the last 15 years keeping her customers happy in the morning with her traditional pastries. Uruguayan food is similar to Argentine cuisine but a little more rustic and heartier. Both are very beef-centric cultures. One of Rita's cooks Tino - a lifetime Orange resident - compares Uruguay's relationship to Argentina as the one he sees between New Jersey and New York. Very similar at first glance, but there is a honesty and attitude that really defines Uruguay.

The morning rush is the lifeblood of Rita's. Each morning at 3am the baking begins to crank out dozens of sweet and savory pastries. They all look, smell, and sound delicious. How can you turn down something called 'pan con grasa,' which literally translates to bread with grease. Donuts and other types of sweet breads filled with creme, dulce de leche, or even quince jam round out the offerings. By mid-morning the pastries are all but gone and lunch begins.

Lunch at Rita's is usually a daily special or two and the ubiquitous Latin snack, empanadas. Monday through Thursday's specials tend to be a simple but amazingly flavorful stew with rice. Estofado was the choice on my last visit; a beef stew with potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and peppers. There was also a hint of fish or shrimp stock added in, which really ratchets up the flavor and sets it apart from other beef stews. This was a seriously hearty lunch, eat the whole plate and you may need a 2pm nap.

While you can't go wrong anytime you stop into Rita's, do yourself a favor and come in on a Friday or Saturday for a chivito, the national sandwich of Uruguay. Sliced steak is garnished with lettuce, tomato, mozzarella cheese, ham, bacon, and hardboiled egg. Slathered with a bit of mayonnaise and served up on hearty bread. Eat it in, or bring it home and savor it with a bottle of hearty red wine.

Rita's Deli
502 Central Ave.
Orange, NJ 07050
(973)-675-9002