Al Langer 1913-2007

[savethedeli]

Al Langer, the founder of Langer’s Delicatessen in Los Angeles, passed away this Sunday. He was 94 years old. His loss will be felt accross the entire Los Angeles delicatessen community, around the country, and the world. For Al Langer was a pastrami perfectionist and anyone who tasted the fruits of his labors will forever be in his debt.

Share your Langer's memories here.

[JFLinLA]

My favorite quote from the article is

If Langer's Delicatessen were in New York, the critic opined, "it would be a shrine."

For those of you long-time eG folks, you will remember our Langer's lunch. If you want to reminisce or enjoy it vicariously, check out this old thread. Make sure you get to the posts with the pictures so you can really start salivating. Perhaps it's time for another eG Langer's lunch in Al's memory.

Luckily his family has taken the place over and the legend will continue. Luckily for Al, he also just lived long enough for the big celebration of Langer's 60th anniversary just 2 weeks ago. Click here for that story and more great pictures.

[JFLinLA]

For more on Al Langer, read the great obit from LA's Pulitzer Prize winning Jonathon Gold.

Al Langer: The Counterman

Had lunch at Langer's last Friday. Got the cabbage soup and some great rye bread but did what I've been doing lately when I go there. Got some pastrami and rye bread to go and we feasted on it all weekend. Yum.

For more information on Jonathon Gold and why he won the Pulitzer, click to this thread here.