Ah, the heady days of one's first deli. The cheese blintzes at Diamond's Deli, Severance Center Mall in Cleveland, around 1970. Pre- and post-movie food, and a blissful discovery. Can't have a blintz anywhere without recalling that. Thereafter (whilst still a student in Cleveland): Solomon's Deli, and Corky & Lenny's, both of which I think were in Cedar Center.
Fast forward to the years in L.A., where my attendance record turns suspiciously spotty: Factor's was a favorite now and then. Nate & Al's a couple of times. Canter's once or twice. (Did you know Canter's used to be a theater called the Esquire, hence the somewhat-marquee-style sign? I didn't either till recently.) There was something in the Beverly Center I indulged at a few times, don't remember the name and it's probably long gone. Anyone remember the Carnegie's short-lived appearance in Beverly Hills? Is there still an outpost of the Stage in Century City? First time there was on my way to the Lawrence of Arabia restoration at the Plitt. What else? If Jerry's -- on Ventura? -- is the place I'm thinking of, I did enjoy that a few times when on some Valley mission or other.
Nowadays I swear by the Carnegie and its pastrami and cheesecake and kick-ass waiters. The Stage looks great but never quite satisfies. Katz's is wonderful for what it is (and I've just discussed that backhanded compliment with friends who grew up within walking distance and swear by it) -- an old neighborhood takeout hole with a great neon sign, where the Experience is to die for, but the food is more to do die From. One chap calls it the crude version of famous deli food, and I'd go with that. But don't miss it.
