Interesting post. In your opinion, would the food at Katz’s improve if it became a bona fide Kosher deli? What a subject for a blind tasting! Katz’s pastrami vs Ben’s.

I was brought up in Brooklyn and ate at Kosher delis quite often and frequently enjoyed their food at home via take-out. Seemed like there was a good Kosher deli in most every neighborhood–the places were frequented by persons of all sorts back then. Too bad "cholesterol" was invented.

You may be right about the hot dogs but, man, they sure tasted great to me…loved the "pop" when you ate ’em. And the hot sourkraut that you helped yourself to. As much as I liked the pastrami, I think the corned beef was my favorite. Even if you could replicate it outside of the city, you’d have a really tough time finding real Jewish rye (with an actual crust). Those little delis had a great atmosphere and a smell all their own. Maybe it was the pickles? NY comfort food!