Whenever I’m in New York, I make sure to find my way to the Lower East Side. This part of Manhattan has the feel of a Jewish Shtetl from the old country. The area goes back to the late 19th century arrival of Jews from Russia and Eastern Europe. To this day, it still has the feeling of more than a century of Jewish tradition. I often think it’s reminiscent of “The Godfather” but with Jewish immigrants rather than Italian. When I go to the area, I always make sure to visit Katz’s Delicatessen on Houston Street. This deli is known for a famous scene in the movie “When Harry Met Sally” starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. There are even a couple photos from the movie on the wall. But that’s not why I like it. The deli opened in 1888 and locals have been enjoying the corned beefs and pastrami here for what seems an eternity. The place is old, funky and utterly charming in a bare bones way. You take a ticket-number, and go to a counter where a bunch of butchers are behind the counter slicing the cooked meats and offering small finger-fulls of samples. If you love traditional deli food and want it in a unique New York atmosphere, head over to the Lower East Side and Katz’s Deli on Houston. Your taste buds will thank you!
