When we last checked in on the forthcoming Upper East Side location of the 2nd Avenue Deli, problems with the Department of Building were holding up the matzoh mecca from opening its doors. But that was then. Just now the home of the Instant Heart Attack has sent us a release announcing an opening date for its second outpost (the East Village original closed in 2006 and is now a Chase). Kugel, anyone? more ›

Good news for old-school New Yorkers: the new 2nd Ave Delicatessen is expected to open sometime next week in its new Murray Hill Location on 33rd Street, near Third Avenue. Lovers of the deli’s famous matzo ball soup and pastrami sandwiches were devastated last year when, after a half-century in business, the 2nd Ave and 10th Street legend was snuffed out. The closure came in the wake of a bitter rent dispute between deli owner Jack Lebewohl and the landlord over rent increases; the soul was promptly siphoned from the site and turned into a Chase bank (though the Yiddish theater “Walk of Fame” on the sidewalk remains). more ›

The NY Times fills in some more holes with the 2nd Avenue Deli's real estate trials, which seemed to culminate in yesterday's gutting of the 2nd Avenue and 10th Street location. It turns out that owner Jack Lebewohl "owed $107,000 in back rent and other charges and that eviction proceedings had begun even before the deli closed." Well, then that $9,000 increase on $24,000 rent would have been really hard to deal with. Next tidbit: Apparently some kosher deli operators have already called the buliding's owners to inquire about the space! And finally, Lebewohl seems open to the possibility of reopening the deli elsewhere in Manhattan - but the new location won't have some of the old deli's old elements, as the clock and "Abe Lebewohl" (Jack's brother who founded the deliand was murdered in 1996) sign will go to Abe's children. Hmm, would you go to a reopened 2nd Avenue Deli elsewhere? Or another kosher deli that opens up at 2nd and 10th? more ›

The event was also a tribute to Lebewohl (the Second Avenue Deli is run by his family), who was robbed and murdered in 1996 outside an East Village bank. In spite of the East Village's sketchy reputation during much of the deli's existence, a manager said Lebewohl "always felt this neighborhood was a good girl with a bad reputation." Well, only because of shopowners and residents who try to persevere and make the neighborhood a better place, like Lebewohl. A Ukrainian Weekly article gives a nice overview of Lebewohl's life. more ›