They said there's no such thing as a free lunch, right? We've heard it time and time again. Well, whoever "They" are, they must not have cc'd the Langer family on the memo. And for thousands of Angelinos, this was a delicious error made in their favor. You may have seen it on the news, or perhaps in your local paper. Or maybe you missed the boat altogether and are about to kick yourself. If the latter, please don't shoot the messenger. Facts are facts. And the fact of the matter is this:
Langer's Delicatessen, a Los Angeles institution and home of the world's greatest pastrami, just celebrated their 65th Anniversary in style by giving away free #19 Sandwiches to all customers during a two-day event this past June.
I was honored to receive a personal invitation from Langer's management to come photograph the event. From the moment I arrived to the time of my departure, this family and their employees proved once again that they are a very warm and hospitable bunch. Despite their success over the years, they very obviously treat their business with an attentiveness that shows how much they care for their customers and the product they serve. The line to enter the deli usually extends out the door. But on this particular occasion, there was such a high demand that Langer's had to close off a whole city block of 7th Street and assemble a large white tent to contain the many extra visitors - several hundred at any given time throughout the event - who were more than happy to wait an hour or more to be seated. One might assume that with the extra demand, coupled with media attention from local and national outlets such as the Los Angeles Times and ESPN Radio, and prize giveaways for patrons arriving via Metro Rail, that the staff would be hurried and stressed out. Not the case. The sandwiches and staff were just as terrific as they are any given day during lunch. I even payed this compliment to my waitress and had to giggle at her response: "this place is a well-oiled machine; that man (Norm) knows how to run his business."
The promotion is over, my friends, but the pastrami is worth every penny you'll pay for it on your next visit. If you haven't been to Langer's, I highly encourage you to make the trip happen soon. Put it on your "Leap List," you won't regret it. If for no other reason than to have a basis for shutting me up about referring to it as the world's greatest pastrami. Go ahead, compare it to the other deli's out there in LA. Heck, why stop there. Go ahead and argue about how the guys in New York are superior. "It's all about the water out there." Got it. Heard it before. Don't care. Langer's wears the crown.
Please enjoy some images captured during Langer's 65th Anniversary Event. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think!
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| The famous Langer’s #19 Sandwich, first created by Al Langer in 1947 and served exactly the same today as it was then: hand-cut hot pastrami, cole slaw, Russian dressing and a slice of Swiss cheese, all on warm, double-baked rye bread with a crunchy crust. |
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| I arrived at Langer's to find the main parking lot filled to capacity! No problem, though, as the folks in charge of the two-day anniversary event anticipated the high demand and arranged for satellite parking locations. |
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| Hundreds of hungry cured meat fans wait their turn in line. |
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| Despite the throngs waiting outdoors, once inside, it seemed like business as usual with a friendly staff and satisfied customers. |
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| Norm Langer took time to personally visit and thank the many loyal customers that have made the deli so successful over the years. |
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| A city block stretch of 7th Street was closed off during the two-day event to make room for the media, as well as to support the overwhelming turnout of patrons. |
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| You won't find any motorized slicers back in the Langer's kitchen;
pastrami this tender and delicious deserves skilled hands and personalized attention. |
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| #19 sandwiches, flying off the shelf... |
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| Norm Langer proudly poses in front of the family business that has stood the test of time. |
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| Heap big thanks to Jim Bunte and Langer's for the Rock Star treatment during my visit! |
And now, how about a glimpse of some historical photographs from Langer's past...
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Langer’s Deli in 1950, viewed from South Alvarado Street in Los Angeles. The original store was a 12-stool luncheon- nette located inside the left portion of the image; the store expanded in 1950 to include additional seating in the right portion of the image.
Image credit: Courtesy Langer’s Deli. | | | |
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Langer’s Deli founder Al Langer and his son Norm pose for this news photo in 1973.
Image credit: Courtesy Langer’s Deli |
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