The Great NYC Deli Census: A Quest for the Holy Grail (Sandwich) of Numbers
Ah, the New York City deli. A haven for the hangry, a refuge for the rushed, a shrine to the almighty pastrami on rye. But have you ever wondered, amidst the hustle and bustle of picking your pickle from a barrel older than your grandma, just how many of these glorious delis exist within the five boroughs?
Fear not, fellow deli devotee, for we delve into the delightful depths of this number-crunching quest!
So, how many delis are there, really?
Here's the thing, my friend, getting a definitive answer is about as easy as wrangling a rogue shopping cart on a windy day. Estimates range wider than a hero piled high with corned beef. Some sources claim a cool 13,000, which sounds about right considering you practically trip over a deli on every corner. Others cite numbers closer to 6,800, which might make you think there's a black market for pastrami on rye (there's not... probably).
Why the discrepancy? It's a Deli-cate Situation!
Here's the rub: Defining a "deli" can be trickier than deciphering a handwritten bodega price tag. Is it a place with a pickle vat and a grumpy owner who calls you "honey"? Or does a fancy-pants shop selling artisanal cured meats count? What about those bodegas with surprisingly good sandwiches? See the pickle?
The Plot Thickens (Like Gravy on Brisket)
Then there's the ever-evolving landscape of New York City. Beloved delis vanish faster than a bialy on a busy morning, while new ones sprout up like weeds after a rain shower. Tracking this culinary churn is like trying to herd pigeons in Times Square.
So, what's the verdict?
The truth, my friends, is out there, but it's probably a moving target. The best we can do is hold onto the spirit of the NYC deli – that sense of community, that overstuffed sandwich satisfaction, and the grumpy charm that makes it all worthwhile.
But hey, if you DO stumble upon a definitive number of NYC delis, hit me up! We'll celebrate with a pickle-back (or three).
