Documentary touts Topeka deli

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By BARBARA HOLLINGSWORTH

Topeka Capital-Journal

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- No doubt, CW Porubsky's Deli and Tavern is more from a time of drive-ins or single-screen movie theaters.

But when a new film about Porubsky's premieres at 7 p.m. Thursday, the images of the persistent little deli, bar and corner grocery will flicker on the screen of a west Topeka movieplex, Hollywood 14 Theater. It might just be the perfect setting for the unveiling of "Porubsky's Transcendent Deli," featuring a place that seems to live in a time all its own -- having outlasted other corner groceries and delis like it. The showing is free, although seating is limited.

Matthew Porubsky, whose grandparents, Charles and Lydia Porubsky, opened Porubsky's and whose uncle still runs the place, has worked with Gizmo Pictures to lovingly tell the story of the family-run business that has persisted through floods, fire and changing times.

Little changes at Porubsky's. And while you might find yourself sitting next to an elected official while being served by a judge, nothing about the place is fancy. Food is served on Styrofoam. The chili draws customers from fall to spring, and customers have a fascination with the Porubsky pickles, which vary from packing just a little heat to inducing tears.

"My vision from the beginning has been to tell the story in a way my grandparents would be glad about it and in a way others will approve it," Porubsky said.

The style of the film, Porubsky said, has become less documentary in style and more quick. It includes original music from The Billen Brothers.

Porubsky said the film will run about 55 minutes. Along with film, Porubsky said he, Gizmo's Jeff Carson and Thomas Averill, artist in residence at Washburn University, will offer short comments at the premiere. Until then, work on the film continues, and some stories may be added for future screenings.

"We'll be working on it until the end," Porubsky said last week as he looked at old photos in The Topeka Capital-Journal's archives.

After the premiere, Porubsky's will open to serve beer and hot pickles.

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Information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal: http://www.cjonline.com