New York's Upper West Side provides the setting for this quirky comedy that has entertained audiences at festivals around the world. Thirtysomething Walter — nicknamed Putzel — aspires to take over Himmelstein's, his family's smoked fish emporium, when his Uncle Sid (veteran TV actor John Pankow) retires. But Sid gives him some surprising news, and things get tricky with the arrival of the charismatic Sally (Melanie Lynskey, Heavenly Creatures, Two and a Half Men), who flirts with both men.

Further complications are caused by Putzel's philandering wife, cavalier best friend and a lively ensemble cast. Ultimately Walter makes some major life decisions that assure his own future.