While reading news on the Times' website today, I saw an article that made me sad. Apparently, the famed 2nd Avenue Deli has closed its doors after 51 years. This New York institution on the Lower East Side was famous the world over for its pastrami and corned beef. The chicken soup with matzo ball was very, very good, too.
The deli was a victim of rising rent, which was due to go up from $24,000 a month to $33,000 a month. According to the article, the owner has already received an offer to move to a new space nearby, at half his current rent. Hopefully the owner reopens it soon, whether at its present location or one nearby. Otherwise, there's one more piece of what makes New York unique down the drain.