Even if I ate there only a couple of times, I'm saddened to see these images and read about the 2nd Avenue Deli's closing.
The removal of the landmark sign means the following story can never again transpire. This overheard conversation would've made a perfect Metropolitan Diary entry. Believe me, I had to I resist the temptation to write to the Times pretending to be a passerby. Good thing I must've still been riding high from that one Met Diary submission I got printed in early '98.
Anyway, so my Jewish friend, let's call her Miss E, was dating a shegetz (the semi-offensive term for gentile man people rarely know, unlike it's feminine counterpart).
While walking up Second Avenue at 10th Street the BF points to a sign with oddly psychedelic, Hebraic style lettering and asks her to translate.
"What do you mean?" she replies.
"I don't know what it says. You read Hebrew, right?"
"Um, no. And for your information, it says 'Second Avenue Deli'."
my only association with this place was back in my Parks days when I wrote the Abe Lebewohl parks sign across the street. I wonder if it is still there...
kate
Posted by: kate | January 12, 2006 at 10:57 AM
In addition to the 2nd Ave deli, another NY oldie but goodie passed this week. McHale's, a bar and burger dive on 46th and 8th. I happened to go last night not knowing that it was the last night ever. Very sad. :(
Posted by: Eileen | January 17, 2006 at 09:33 PM
I remember McHale's from my days as an admin slave at Worldwide Plaza bet. 49th & 50th. But perhaps Trader Joe's opening in Manhattan makes up for the loss a teensy tiny bit? Apples and oranges, I know.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/18/dining/18joes.html
Posted by: Jess | January 18, 2006 at 03:01 PM
69.230.85.167
URL: http://terranonfirma.blogspot.com
DATE: 01/11/2006 09:03:26 AM
ha - I had a boyfriend ask me to "translate" that sign also. duh. so sad to see the deli go. they had a great version of one of my favorite eastern european dishes - stuffed cabbage. just like grandpa's. it just helps to justify my decision to leave ny.
Posted by: marissa | February 07, 2008 at 03:05 PM