It’s all about honoring family and tradition at Top Hat Deli off NE 3 Street in Fort Lauderdale. The classic Jewish deli, complete with a full bar, is owned by restaurateur Elliot Wolf who opened the popular spot 10 years ago and named it after his grandfather Max’s original vintage top hat.
“It’s a silk strung hat. My grandfather brought it over from Germany in the 1930s. You can see his initials are still in there and it was probably made in the 1920s,” Wolf explained, showing off the carefully preserved family heirloom.
Wolf’s father and grandfather, who were in the food business, have passed. This restaurant stands as an homage to them. “That’s what everything’s about. I mean they made me who I am today. Without them I wouldn’t be here. You have to honor your heritage and not forget who you are and where you came from. So that’s what I did,” Wolf explained…