Claussen Kosher Dill Pickle Spears, 24 fl. oz. Jar

When I grew up in Brooklyn, we lived a block away from a diner -- a "mid-century-modern" corner diner before that phrase existed. We would walk in and sit down in a booth, all naugahyde, formica and chrome -- with the cook and grill in full view behind a counter lined with stools. The waitress would serve a small plate of remarkable pickle spears -- perfectly crisp, surely just sliced. Next, the perfect grilled-cheese would arrive. This was in the Beach Haven neighborhood not far from Brighton Beach and Coney Island. Lunch heaven! These are the pickles. Fagetaboutit.

Exactly what I would wish for if I had bought the whole pickle and sliced it myself. I find them to be tall spears which look good presented on the plate as a favorable side to a lunch. Fortunately they taste as good as they look, Crisp bites through to the last one left. I love I can use the pickle juice when making my own marinade, salad dressings, or use to be toning down a too sweet taste elsewhere, as it doesn't cloud up or change taste as some do. I find they last as long as a couple weeks. I don't know about longer as lucky if this bottle actually lasts any more than a week at best. Also learned from my Grandmother, everything lasts that much longer if you use sanitizer on hands, before digging into bottles or pouches. Especially true for packaged cheeses.

They're a bit more expensive and come with the slight inconvenience of having to be refrigerated even when unopened, but they're the best tasting pickles and they have the best texture of any pickle out there.

They are the best.

I'm glad I rediscovered Claussen Kosher Dill Pickles. They're a great treat!