I arrived in NYC with the usual fanfare as I’ve always been arriving in the past years. With a little preparation this time, the usual city fare had some wonderful gems involved.

First up, the pastrami on rye at Katz’s Deli on the lower east side. This, my friend, is how pastrami was meant to be–juicy, tender, and delicate in its smokey flavors (stacked high, of course). I usually have pretty bad luck with pastrami. The flavors from imitators are overly crass with high salty and sour tones. If you want REAL New York style hot pastrami, Katz’s Deli is the place to go. Also, their chicken noodle soup is on spot with large chunks of chicken in a rich broth.

The patrons are a mix of regulars and tourists alike. The pastrami is the absolute favorite, but many people were also getting other traditional items like the Matzoball soup and roast beef sandwiches.

Be prepared to pay cash–this place is a no fuss venue. You recieve a ticket when walking in, and the deli cutters place a price on it when ordering. The payment is due on your way out. They warn you that you must keep your ticket, even if you don’t use it, or else a $50 charge is in order.

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