From Jamie’s Desk:
Next Tuesday is the final Lunch With Jamie open to non-paying members. It’s been great having so many of you join these conversations. I’d love for you to be part of this last one on September 30 at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET, where my guest will be one of the greatest interviewers of our time: Stephen Sackur.
No one has put world leaders in the hot seat quite like Stephen, and he’ll be breaking down why he believes the United States is at one of its lowest points in history (and no it’s not just because of Donald Trump). You can register here.
Following our world premiere at TIFF, and before heading to the London Film Festival next month, Team Roofman premiered at the Charlotte Film Festival for the community where this story began, and it was truly one of the highlights of my career. Most of the time when you make a film, especially in a big city or on a stage, the impact on the local community is minimal—you’re barely noticed, or worse, seen as a nuisance. But when you’re lucky enough to film in a smaller town, you become part of the community. You find your coffee spot, your restaurants, your local crew and actors. Leaving feels like the end of summer camp—you take a few friendships with you, but life moves on.
Roofman was different. We shot in Charlotte, the city where the true story actually happened, and the community embraced us from day one. Every day on set, people stopped to share stories about Jeff Manchester—the real “Roofman.” As a criminal currently serving time in prison, his impact wasn’t always positive, but because of the strange twists of his story, it wasn’t entirely negative either. What made this shoot so special was the authenticity: we weren’t just filming in the real locations, we were working with people who had lived it. The man who drove the truck Manchester escaped in drove the same truck in our movie where Channing Tatum makes the exact same escape. The prosecutor who led the case against Jeff is seen sitting in the courtroom across from Channing when he gets sentenced in the film. You don’t get more real than that.
When I first came to Charlotte in July 2024, I saw the Carolina Theatre under construction and thought, how special would it be to premiere the film at this historic theatre? Well, last week that 100-year-old theater was packed with nearly 1,000 people for a sold-out premiere of Roofman. I’ve premiered movies at festivals like TIFF, Cannes, Sundance, and nerves are always high, but showing a film to the community that lived this story for over 20 years was a whole different experience. After the first laugh, the nerves were gone and what followed was pure magic.
The outpouring of love in that room is something I’ll never forget. People cried, laughed, and were on the edge of their seats. We set out to make a film that speaks to everyone, and last night proved we did.
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Discussed in this issue: The best BBQ in the world, where to get the best break fast spreads, and an upcoming conversation with internationally renowned journalist Stephen Sackur.
Have a restaurant rec, cultural gem, can’t-miss event, or a hot sauce that changed your life? Send it my way: [email protected]
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🎙️ September Special: This month only, we’re opening the Lunch With Jamie recordings to everyone. Don’t forget—members still get exclusive access to ask questions and join the WhatsApp chat.
🗓️ My next Lunch With Jamie guest is writer, broadcaster and internationally renowned journalist Stephen Sackur. From Hugo Chávez to Mikhail Gorbachev to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, there are few world leaders Stephen Sackur hasn’t interviewed. You can register here to join us on September 30th at 1 PT/4 ET. This is the final Zoom that will be open to free subscribers, so now’s the time to upgrade.
Members get more: exclusive Q&A access, our private WhatsApp thread, and a voice in what we cover.
With Rosh Hashanah, in the rearview mirror, it’s time to turn our attention toward Yom Kippur—and the meal that follows.
Since there’s still time to change up your Yom Kippur menu, I’ve pulled together a list of a few Jewish delis that can make your break fast one that everyone wants an invite to.
Here’s to an easy fast, meaningful reflection, and to hosts who know how to order well. If you’re a paying member or subscriber, you can look back in our newsletter archive for past suggestions from 2023 and 2024. And if you want to access our archive, upgrade here.
Photo by Jamie Patricof
Cuisine: Deli
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Ben Hundreds, David Nathanson, James Ponsoldt, Eli Meyer, Matt Karatz, Jason Spivak, Alex Tse, Kate Burr, Rachel Halilej, Eater, Infatuation, LA Times
Good For: Casual, Take Out
Pro Tip: This is a great spot to order catering for the office.
What to Order: The Papa, The Nana, Noodle Kugel, Matzah Ball Soup, Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich
Notes: Since opening on Sunset Blvd in 2014, Daughter’s Deli has been one of my favorite Jewish delis in LA…honestly, anywhere. Founded by Trisha Langer, granddaughter of Al and Jean Langer of the legendary Langer’s, Daughter’s Deli carries that same DNA while carving out its own identity. Naturally, the star of the menu is the Papa, and their take on Langer’s iconic #19. But the menu doesn’t stop there. Whether you’re planning Yom Kippur catering or just grabbing a casual lunch, Daughter’s Deli is great.
Photo by Sydney Berger
📍Barney Greengrass (reviewed by Joseph Varet, Co-owner, Various Small Fires Gallery)
Cuisine: Jewish Appetizing
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Anthony Jacobson, Jerry Greenberg, David Nathanson, James Ponsoldt, Chris Rice, Aaron Stern, Jason Spivak, Martha Patricof, Kate Burr, Infatuation, Eater, Goop, Condé Nast Traveler
Good For: Casual, Takeout, Big Group
Pro Tip: Easy to order catering with delivery anywhere in Manhattan on their website. And for those not in New York, you can order on Goldbelly.
What to Order: Break fast catering order: Whole Whitefish, Whitefish Salad, Egg Salad, Nova Salmon, Pastrami Salmon, Smoked Turkey, Pastrami, Corned Beef, Scallion Cream Cheese, Bialys, Bagels, Pickles, Mini Black & White Cookies, Rugelach (be sure to get sliced tomatoes, onions, and capers on the side).
Notes: A time warp to 20th Century Manhattan, Barney Greengrass is a classic but hectic experience for dine-in (where scrambled eggs with nova and onions is the go-to), but it’s also the easiest way to win “break fast” dinner, because this here is the gold standard of Jewish-American soul food. Your guests will kvell over the satisfying smoked fish, smoked meats, and pillowy bialys. True it’s not traditionally dinner food, but since you’ve fasted all day you’re ready to devour a breakfast spread for break fast. It would be a shanda to cater from anywhere else.
Photo by Zak The Baker
📍Zak The Baker (reviewed by Karim Sabet, Director of Luxury Real Estate, Sabet Realty)
Cuisine: Artisanal Bakery
Crew: Jamie Patricof, Ben Hundreds, James Ponsoldt, Brian McGinn, Infatuation, Eater, Goop, Condé Nast Traveler
Good For: Take Out
Pro Tip: Smart idea to call ahead and see what they have in stock. There are always new items, specialties, and special orders, and often run out of the base items. While you’re there, feel free to sit in and order a few things while they’re putting your order together—or just jump in line and order to go. Keep in mind Yom Kippur is only a few days away, so put your orders in for pickup as soon as you can.
What to Order: For brunch, I like to order the very Florida-specific cold smoked salmon that’s cured/smoked using Florida grapefruits and orange wood. I like to pair that with bagels—the everything bagel and the poppy are both must-tries. The challah cinnamon raison makes epic french toast.
Notes: Zak (Stern) the Baker opened in 2012, and you’ll still find the man himself there. The young staff is wonderful: hardworking, conversational, and knowledgeable about each item. Zak’s bakery can be attributed to much of Wynwood’s success and growth—a true gateway to the once sketchy area that is now dotted with Miami’s most successful spots like Pastis, Uchi, and KYU. Zak the Baker was a pioneer, and remains one of the neighborhood’s cornerstones.
This isn't exactly food for your break fast, but since it is some of the best brisket in the world, you can start thinking now about how you will get it for next Rosh Hashanah.
Photo by Jon G’s
Cuisine: BBQ
Crew: Rachel Halilej, Infatuation, Eater 38
Good For: Casual, Take Out
Pro Tip: Drive 10 minutes past Jon G’s to Peaches n Cream for the best peach cobbler you will ever have. Make sure to get their homemade ice cream with it.
What to Order: Brisket, Turkey, Burnt Ends, Baked Beans, Brisket Fried Rice
Notes: Most restaurants don’t live up to the hype. Jon G’s does. This unassuming BBQ joint an hour outside Charlotte is serving Texas-style barbecue in North Carolina. Something that sounds like it shouldn’t work, but trust me, it more than works. The first time I tasted it, Jon G’s shot straight into my list of the best BBQ spots in America. Right up there with Franklin’s, Snow’s, Moo’s, and Joe’s Kansas City.
You are coming here for the brisket–but everything will blow you away. The turkey was the biggest surprise, since that is never a top dish for me. The sides are all great, but they are led by the beans and then the mind blowing brisket fried rice. In addition they just started serving a breakfast taco from 9:30-10:30. House-made tallow tortilla, brisket, cowboy candy, queso fresco, and salsa verde.
Run by Garren and his wife Kelly, it’s one of those rare places that’s truly worth the drive or trip. If you ever find yourself in Charlotte—okay, I realize that isn’t often—do whatever you can to get there on a Saturday and check out Jon G’s. That’s the only day they’re open, and the line can be long. Keep an eye out for their Charlotte pop-ups, too.
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Due to Rosh Hashanah, there was no Lunch With Jamie this week, but I want to take this time to highlight an important conversation from February that is always relevant. This episode with Eric Ward of Race Forward and Rachel Carroll Rivas of the Southern Poverty Law Center is crucial listening, especially as we face a rise of hatred and division in our country.
“Curiosity and empathy are essential tools—even when dealing with people whose views are extreme. Understanding where they are coming from allows us to intervene before hate takes root.”
We dive into:
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🎙️ On Tuesday, 9/30 at 1 PT/4 ET, my guest on Lunch With Jamie is Stephen Sachur. You can register here to join us. This is the final Zoom that will be open to free subscribers, so now’s the time to upgrade.
Want to ask the next guest your own questions? Members help shape every Lunch With Jamie conversation.
Want access to Jamie’s latest obsessions from music, books, dinners, events, and more? Upgrade to become a paying subscriber of Jamie’s List.
Bin 54 with Riley; Kingsway with Alon and Emily Shaya; Dakar with Alissa Kantrow; Parkway & Manchu Food Store solo; San Lorenzo with Sawyer; Lang Van with Rachel Halilej and Derek Cianfrance; Jon G’s Barbecue & Great Wall with Team Roofman; and Bombolo with Riley, Dan and Jenny Levy.
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