2nd Ave Deli Video - Raw and Uncut

December 18th, 2007 | Leave a Comment

2nd Ave Deli Reopens - Raw and Uncut from rudy bachraty on Vimeo

Jeremy Lebewohl and family officially reopened the 2nd Ave Deli in New York City yesterday. Having experienced this most excellent moment in time first hand, I wanted to share the sights and sounds of the event with you raw and uncut. No mohels required. Enjoy.

Posted by Rudolph D. Bachraty III | Filed Under 2nd Ave Deli

2nd Ave Deli Reopens - Where’s a Mohel When You Need One?

December 17th, 2007 | 6 Comments

There’s a new piece of kosher real estate on 33rd street and Third Avenue in Manhattan - the reincarnated 2nd Avenue Deli. Jeremy Lebewohl, nephew of the slain founder Abe Lebewohl, and family officially brought back the famous and beloved east village landmark at 6am this morning. Diners enjoyed Matzoh Ball soup and hearty servings of pastrami. At 11am the ceremonial cutting of the “nickel shtikel” salami delighted the hoards of mainstream media that were on hand. Virtually everyone got a piece of shtikel. Mazal Tov!

After Jeremy cut a section of the 30 foot salami with a huge pair of scissors, a women yelled out a comment that you would expect to hear on an episode of Seinfeld - “Where’s a Mohel when you need one?” Classic.

According to Jack Lebewohl, the menu remains the basically the same other than some additions that Jeremy suggested like an appetizing section including herring and pastrami lox. Showing their love and loyalty to the 2nd Ave Deli, many of the staff have returned. One Chinese staff member has been with them since 1969 and said he has become Jewish now. The restaurant closed it’s doors in January 2006 after being in business for 51 years. At that time, the landlord raised the rent so much the family could not afford to keep the business open. Rather than appreciating he had a landmark business in his building, the landlord chose to entertain deeper pockets - Chase Manhattan Bank to be exact. Like Manhattan needed any more banks. Bah, humbug!

When I was in college, we used visit all the hot clubs and bars and party hard into the late night hours. All that dancing and drinking really gave us the munchies. There was no better place to get food at 2am than the 2nd Ave Deli. A nice hot bowl of split pea soup and a juicy brisket really hit the spot. Being a little older now, I think I’ll visit during normal business hours. My daughter will love the Matzoh Ball soup for sure. Local family businesses such as Lebewohl’s really become a part of our lives. It’s the memories and stories that we share and remember in these places that really touch our heart. I’m sure many of you can relate. I’m glad to see them back. Prime real estate is scarce, support your local family businesses.