Nathan's Famous New York Kosher Halves

Its only fair to take a look at an authentic Kosher dill from Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY, after reviewing a newcomer like McClure's. Nathan's is the name synonymous with Coney Island Hot Dogs and the condiment served is their kosher dill pickle.

I found these at Kroger for around $3.79 in the refrigerated pickle section, alongside the Claussen varieties. To our local Kroger's credit, they're carrying a better variety than they have in the past. As the picture shows, there's generous amounts of mustard seed, garlic and other goodies in the jar, so they looked like a good pick.

I was expecting bold flavors of dill, garlic and herbs, but these were considerably mild. The cucumber taste prevailed, with only a hint of dill and garlic. The brine itself was considerably less vinegary than, say McClure's or Vlasic, and even the Kroger-brand fresh dills. As I said, with the amount of stuff in the jar, it was a little surprising that the flavors were so subtle.

The crunch was good, but it was average--not like the crisp Kroger dills or McClure's bites. I tend to find spears or halves less crunchy than a whole pickle...the contiguous cucumber skin definitely changes the bite texture while in the jar.

Now, I'm not saying these were a bad bite, but they definitely differed from my expectations, having eaten true deli dills in New York, and at Ann Arbor's own world-famous Zingerman's Deli. Nathan's Kosher dills would make a fine side to something like a chili-dog where you needed something fresh and neutral to wash off the strong chili flavor. Like McClure's add zing to something bland, these subtly flavored halves provide a crisp refresher to bring you back from the brink with spicy food.