Saturday, 06 January 2007

• Carnegie Delicatessen & Restaurant

  854 Seventh Ave.
  New York, NY 10019

  Happy New Years to all my readers!

  I just got back last week from New York City.  I spent eight hours waiting for the ball to come down and ring in the new year!

  

  It's something you have to be there to experience.  There is a lot of energy in the crowd, crazy number of people and police, and memories that will last a life time.

  A frequent question people have asked about my trip has been about the food in New York City.  I was staying and spending most of my time in the tourist district (midtown Manhatten) so everything is alright and expensive there.  In most cases I had fast food. 

  There is one notable exception and that was a vsit to the really famous  Carnegie Delicatessen & Restaurant at 7th Ave. and 55th St.  I have heard many of my friends talk about the great pastrami and corned beef sandwiches from this restaurant so I had to give it a try.

  The outside is a very traditional deli type exterior and very unassuming:

  

  There is usually a long line up outside during lunch hours but luckily it was the morning after new years so most people were sleeping in or avoiding the rain.

  Immediately through the door are the displays of fresh meats and the order line for take out.  Further inside is the seating area lined with photos of famous people that have visited this restaurant.  It's popular and famous.  It's also very packed:

  

  The people inside are very nice.  That is a good thing because you'll likely be sitting shoulder to shoulder with a stranger.

  Their famous hot pastrami:

  

  The rumours are true.  They really pile the meat high.  It was hot, tender, and full of flavour.  The pastrami has a more flaky texture and stronger taste than the corned beef.  True to it's claims, it is the best pastrami and corned beef I've had.  It is really filling.  It was good I bagged half before I started.

  The hot pastrami sandwich I ordered is around $14.  You can order the Woody which is pastrami and corned beef in one sandwich, essentially doubling your meat, for only $4 more.  If you choose to share, which I should have done, there is an added cost of $3. 

  Overall I would say the cost of the sandwiches are a bit high but if you compare that to $20 for almost any lunch dish at TGI Fridays in NYC, $14 starts to look a lot better.  Plus, it's a famous place so it's worth a visit when you're in NYC.  The food is great but if you're health conscious, don't expect a lot of veggies and the meats are oily.

  Eric Tummy Points: 4 out of 5

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