Too late in the evening for me to make my way through the article (I’ll do it tomorrow or over the weekend), but I have to admit that I love the #19. Yes, the pastrami is so tasty that it’s fabulous on its own. But, IMHO, the #19 is an example of more being… MORE. =)
I don’t disagree that the cheese is poor quality and that slaw seems random. However, the plain pastrami just seems to be missing… something. Maybe I should put more mustard on. As texturally gross as the #19 is, there’s something about the sweet, salty, and, yes, vaguely slimy and slick that, IMHO, makes for a bizarrely good balance w/ the pastrami. I know I’m alone on this, but I’m sticking to it.
The few times I’ve been, I always go w/ someone else so I can order one plain and one #19. =)
No biggie----I think it’s a “Jewish thing”. Even tho Langer’s is a Jewish deli, most Jews don’t use mayo on sandwiches (exceptions: “salad sandwiches”—tuna, egg, chicken and of course a BLT needs mayo) and slaw is usually on the side while kraut can be used on. I don’t keep kosher, and in my opinion many things taste better with cheese (but then again, cheese is one of my favorite “food groups” ).
Firstly, I’m in the pastrami on rye with some Guldens camp. Secondly, for those of us with larger appetites, the #54 at 12 oz. of pastrami to the regular sandwich’s 7 oz. at a very reasonable price increase has been a revelation since it was brought to my attention previously. For me, it’s just right and I’m not left wanting.
I like to hold on the 1000 because the onions in the chopped liver provide enough sweetness. Add some mustard and it really cuts through the richness of that sandwich.
I have seen some add a sunny side up egg to it, but damn that would be one rich sandwich. I am not a fan of Langers 1000. Now Katz’s Russian dressing is another story.
I have seen it in person. We got sat in the back one time near the corner table and a family of 6 was there and 3 of them got it that way. I thought to myself: Am I doing this wrong the entire time?
Went to Langer’s today and split with my son a #6 (pastrami and chopped liver) and a #44 (pastrami rueben with nippy cheese). I’m still in pastrami heaven…