New York’s Delis – A Must if You Are Visiting the Big Apple

MAITLAND, Fla. - June 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Anyone who complains about the lack of true American cuisine should try eating at a different New York deli every day for a week. Chowing down on a bagel with lox and cream cheese or a corned beef on rye bread (side of dill pickles, please) will help you understand why transplanted New Yorkers living in California or the Midwest long for the tangy, savory taste of home. Delis tend to be the ultimate in casual dining, featuring soups, sandwiches and other simple fare. They are a great spot for you to enjoy lunch, dinner or a late night snack after an evening at the theater or nightclubbing.

What to Eat

Pastrami, corned beef, chopped liver and various forms of smoked or marinated fish are the stars of the show at NYC delis. Vegetables run more towards cole slaw, French fries and potato salad rather than arugula and celeriac. Cheesecake is the number one dessert. Half sandwiches and children’s portions are usually available. Dr. Brown’s traditional soft drinks are the beverage of choice – celery soda, anyone? (The less adventurous might prefer cream soda, which also qualifies as authentic deli fare.) All this does not come cheap. Soup, sandwich and soda can run to $25 per person or more. But, hey, you’re on vacation – and on a mission to sample the real New York, right?

Top Delis

The top NYC delis are scattered all over the city, so you’ll rarely have to walk far to find one. Some local favorites are the 2nd Avenue Deli, a kosher restaurant now actually located on 33rd street; it’s family friendly – but don’t ask for a glass of milk to go with Junior’s meat loaf plate. As well as being famous from the movie When Harry Met Sally, Katz’s Delicatessen serves up tempting food. The Carnegie Deli is conveniently situated in Midtown and comes complete with Seinfeld style surly service; bring cash, the only accepted form of payment, and be prepared for fairly steep minimum charges. Barney Greengrass, on Amsterdam Avenue, specializes in fish – smoked salmon, nova and sturgeon – although they also offer meat and dairy delights. Once again, the policy is cash only, and since this deli closes early, it’s best to bookmark it for breakfast or lunch.

You Can Take It with You

If you are wiped out after a hard day sightseeing or shopping, many delis will accept delivery orders. Another possibility, if you are in accommodations with a kitchenette or even just a fridge, is to buy some fresh sliced deli cold cuts by the pound. Just pick up a loaf of rye and a pot of mustard, and you can make your own sandwiches. Love that New York flavor? Pack the meat with ice packs and take some home, if you live within a few hours of New York City. Or see whether your favorite deli ships orders.

New York has so much to see and do that you’ll appreciate staying in a comfortable hotel with easy access to everything. The nicer New York hotels tend to fill up fast, though, so it’s a good idea to book with http://www.crshotels.com