This week the Carnegie Deli's owner announced the closing of the nearly 80 year-old kosher restaurant. Marian Harper Levine's family has owned the fabled knoshetria since 1971, but a battle with ConEd over an illegal tap on a gas pipe and the long hours have taken a toll on the 60ish operator.
"At this stage of my life, the early mornings to late nights have taken a toll, along with my sleepless nights and grueling hours that come with operating a restaurant business."
New Yorkers mourned the news.
Few ate at the 7th Avenue establishment, which has been overrun by tourists seeking the true heart of the City by consuming 4-inch high sandwiches in one go.
Another piece of New York will disappear into our memories and this afternoon I mentioned the closing to my London friend, Sara Silver. She stopped there on her way back from MoMA and came to my jewelry store on West 57th Street with a heavy brown paper bag.
"Is that what I think it is?"
"Pastrami on rye."
Only one, which is more than enough for a normal human.
I licked my my lips.
We each took a half.
Heaven.
If I'm lucky I might go zum Himmel one more time before the New Year, because you have to say good-bye to greatness more than once.
