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| - Visiting PHX from NYC, I was looking forward to testing the mettle of this pretty popular lunch spot. I drove passed the restaurant multiple times during my stay to find the parking lot full - that's pretty impressive for any place that labels itself a "Deli". It had to be awesome, no?
No. The "New Yorker" - Pastrami and Cole Slaw on Rye - was bland, boring, and bogus. It had no flavor, except for the tang of the slaw, and the bread was stiff, like it had been stored away in a fridge all night. It was disappointing, Kind of like when you wanted that bike for Christmas but then got two little rubber balls instead - one for each hand. But I'm not unreasonable or naive; I know it's difficult to make a pastrami sandwich that can stand next to the greats like Katz's or Langer's (2nd Ave Deli, Carnegie Deli, etc). I don't walk into a Deli in Phoenix expecting the Pastrami Gods to rain down on me a storm of deliciously irresistible and perfectly sliced pieces of cured meats; I don't have unrealistic expectations. I just wanted a decent pastrami sandwich but I didn't get it. It fell flat, completely flat.
Having said all that negative stuff, though, I must admit that the restaurant itself is well-run, overwhelmingly clean, and their service is top-notch - everyone was pleasant and helpful. Also, I can't deny that all the food looked appetizing and fresh. My sandwich fell flat but I can't speak to anything else. My son had the kid's hot dog and he loved it. I would suggest try the food. The food on the menu and behind the deli case looks good. Give it a shot. I might if I had to but I wouldn't order the pastrami sandwich (or "New Yorker") again.
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