If I die, please finish this sandwich

[Abe Carmeli]

With a library of famous last words to choose from, "If I die, please finish this sandwich" crossed my mind as I was chewing on a corned beef sandwich at the Carnegie Deli.

That nugget must have its equivalent in the espresso world, but "If I die, please finish this shot" just doesn't sound as compelling. Alas, I do remember clearly some of the outstanding small cups I've had in my life. One of those rare anomalies came to visit me again this morning. Totally unexpected, and luckily unannounced. I will save you the play by play bore, but just say that I almost broke my neck trying to sit down thereafter - narrowly missing the chair.

It is a blessing that those shots do not come very often.

[ntwkgestapo]

From the library of famous last words to choose from, "If I die, please finish this sandwich" crossed my mind as I was chewing on a Coned Beef Sandwich at the Carnegie Deli.

CONED Beef? I'll admit, it's been YEARS since I ate at the Carnegie Deli, but I don't remember a CONED Beef sandwich... must be something they've added!

[Abe Carmeli]

CONED Beef? I'll admit, it's been YEARS since I ate at the Carnegie Deli, but I don't remember a CONED Beef sandwich... must be something they've added!

That's how the locals pronounce it. It's a New Yawk thing.

[ntwkgestapo]

That's how the locals pronounce it. It's a New Yawk Thing.

Upon further reflection, I DO believe I remember that! Unfortunately, it's been over 30 years since I had the joy of eating @ the Carnegie... Usually when I'm "In" New York, it's just for a quick dash up to Connecticut or over to Long Island... I get to see some of the toll bridges and EITHER JFK or La Guardia (usually La Guardia if I'm headed for Fairfield, Conn). Used to LOVE to hit the Carnegie Deli and some other nice eateries. LOOONG, LOOONG time ago, there was a place called the Nicosia right off of Times Square (on 57th if I remember right) that had a GREAT steak sandwich (to show you how long it has been for THAT one, they used to cost a buck! )... Long gone tho... wasn't there any more in the early '70's... 'twas a small lunch counter that I used to hit for breakfast (and lunch if I had the chance)...

[laservet]

My wife and I just visited New York for the first time, went with two other couples one of whom used to live there and worked in the garment district. The first place they took us was Carnegie's. Monster sandwiches and great cheesecake!

[Abe Carmeli]

It is amusing to see how my post which was intended to be about a memorable espresso shot, ended up being about a mouth watering sandwich. I guess an ode to the pastrami on rye was long overdue, and why not here? That sandwich (the first one, without the melted cheese) looks almost as good as it tastes. I say almost, since there are no words to describe the real thing .

P.S. A New Yorker will not be caught dead with melted cheese on his pastrami.

[Marshall]

I once took a client to the Carnegie. As usual, I could only eat half my pastrami sandwich. I had them bag the other half, so I could give it to a homeless person. Not one would take it! I don't think it was pride, as they were begging money on church steps. I thought maybe there was a rumor that people were killing the homeless with poisoned Carnegie sandwiches.

For years there was a franchised Carnegie Deli in Century City. Not nearly as good. However, Langer's Deli off MacArthur Park is easily its match.

[DavidMLewis]

For years there was a franchised Carnegie Deli in Century City. Not nearly as good. However, Langer's Deli off MacArthur Park is easily its match.

Jeez, Marshall. The GS3 thread wasn't enough trouble for you, you had to go recommending an LA deli as a match for a New York one?

David "the Carnegie regulars laughed at my wife and me for sharing a sandwich" Lewis

[Abe Carmeli]

Jeez, Marshall. The GS3 thread wasn't enough trouble for you, you had to go recommending an LA deli as a match for a New York one?

Marshall's home team fever may have gotten the best of him, but it is wonderful to see how far one can go for love.

[Marshall]

Marshall's home team fever may have gotten the best of him, but it is wonderful to see how far one can go for love.

Sorry, it's a well documented fact. Bi-coastal writers from Jonathan Gold (last year's Pulitzer winner for retaurant criticism) to Nora Ephron agree Langer's is tops! http://www.epicurious.com/bonappetit/blogs/editor/2007/01/the_best_sandwi.html

[Marshall]

I once took a client to the Carnegie. As usual, I could only eat half my pastrami sandwich. I had them bag the other half, so I could give it to a homeless person. Not one would take it! I don't think it was pride, as they were begging money on church steps. I thought maybe there was a rumor that people were killing the homeless with poisoned Carnegie sandwiches.

For years there was a franchised Carnegie Deli in Century City. Not nearly as good. However, Langer's Deli off MacArthur Park is easily its match.

EDIT: The Carnegie franchise was in Beverly Hills. It didn't use their pastrami and was thoroughly mediocre. The long-lived franchise in Century City (R.I.P.) was the Stage Deli.

[Bex]

That's the thing about NYC...when people in other cities want to say they have the best X, they have to use the more famous version from NYC as their reference point.

I don't miss NYC delis, but I do miss NYC diners. And Italian joints. And Thai places. And Irish bars. And the French restaurants. Le sigh.

[JimWright]

I've been to Carnegie a couple times this year, and will be over to Langer's to test this assertion promptly.

[Marshall]

I've been to Carnegie a couple times this year, and will be over to Langer's to test this assertion promptly.

It's the best Jewish deli in Central America. (You'll understand when you get there.) They have their own (free) parking lot one block away. Or take the Metro. The stop is also one block away. It saved them from closing.

[JimWright]

It's the best Jewish deli in Central America. (You'll understand when you get there.) They have their own (free) parking lot one block away. Or take the Metro. The stop is also one block away. It saved them from closing.

Oh, I understand already - I live downtown, so this is only a mile and a half from my place. I may just walk it.

[Marshall]

I went to a lecture this morning downtown (on the history of bread no less). It reminded me of this thread and Langer's fabulous caraway rye with the thick, crunchy, steam-baked crust. So, I went for lunch!

The New Yorker on Langer's: http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2002/08/19/020819fa_fact4

[AndyS]

Sorry, it's a well documented fact. Bi-coastal writers from Jonathan Gold (last year's Pulitzer winner for retaurant criticism) to Nora Ephron agree Langer's is tops! http://www.epicurious.com/bonappetit/blogs/editor/2007/01/the_best_sandwi.html

Well documented, huh? It cracks me up Marshall, that opinions in a category such as "best deli" may become "fact." Does it work that way in the law, too?

Oh, and while we're speaking of facts, whose coffee is the best in America?

[Marshall]

Well documented, huh? It cracks me up Marshall, that opinions in a category such as "best deli" may become "fact." Does it work that way in the law, too?

Hey, Andy, if someone implies you have to take leave of your senses to think better delis exist outside of NYC, you're entitled to respond with a little hyperbole.

[mitchjayg]

Well, I am still learning espresso, but I grew up w New York corned beef, pastrami, etc.

I fondly remember Langers, it really is great. I also recall, from the years I lived in S Cal that Nate and Al's also served a good corned beef sandwich. Slightly different surroundings.........(Beverly Hills)

Now, can anyone tell me where I can get a decent sandwich in the Bay Area. I have given up.............

[JimWright]

After years in the Bay Area, I never found it. The closest I came was Saul's in Berkeley.

And Andy - if you're high enough up in the court system, yes.