Pastrami - where to get it

Dear Reader,

Do you remember our discussion about Pastrami here on diablog? It started with Glynsky fantasizing about the origin after having asked me to explain what it is here earlier. It then lead to the disaster of me having to eat and digest, what Glynsky thought was Pastrami and happened to be salted meat.

After that sad experience and upon returning to NYC - the undisputed world capital of Pastrami - I had to have some of the real stuff.

Where does one go?



Naturally, places to get Pastrami are the delicatessen - or short deli - in NY. Probably the most famous are Russ & Daughters and Katz Delicatessen, where the fake orgasm scene by Meg Ryan in "When Harry met Sally" was shot. The next one by local fame might be Second Avenue Deli.

Those places are mentioned in every decent tourist guide and are not where I went.

If you want the real deal, world class Pastrami, this is where you should go:

Ben's

Ben's is located in the heart of the Garment District, the center of the shmatte business. This is where the local business people go for lunch, for traditional kosher food. Don't expect fancy decor or a grand setting, you are here for the food.
And here you get, at least in my humble opinion, the best Pastrami. The "overstuffed hot pastrami sandwich" is delicious, costs just $10.99 and feeds you for the whole day. Have it with pickles and cole slaw. Be warned, you will not be able to eat an appetizer or dessert.

One recommendation, during lunch hours expect a line and bring 10 - 15 minutes for the wait. It is worth it.

See you there soon,
Engine Room