Table for Two

Traditional Jewish favorites at their finest

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Lido Kosher Deli
641 1/2 E. Park Ave., Long Beach
(516) 431-4411
www.lidokosherdeli.com

Having grown up where pastrami-on-rye was as common as a slice of pizza, there was no question that dining at Lido Kosher Deli would be a welcome, if not nostalgic, treat. Great kosher delicatessens are scarce these days, which makes Lido Kosher Deli even more of a special find. And, not only do they bring every homemade traditional Jewish edible to the table (literally), but their exceptional kosher meats are cured in their own facility.

Lido Kosher Deli has been around for nearly 70 years, and is manned by Wally, the third generation of the Goetz family. Wally’s grandfather, Hugo, was a kosher butcher in the Bronx in the 1930s. He later moved to Brooklyn. Wally’s father, Gus, and two uncles, eventually joined the business. Wally has been at Lido Deli for more than 30 years, expanding it to include a full-service dining room and take-out counter. The décor is reminiscent of a neighborhood spot you might remember — tin ceilings, wood floods, vinyl covered booths. “We want to keep it haimish (Yiddish for home-like or friendly),” Wally told us.

The menu is enormous, spanning from eggs to entrees. Appetizers, bagels, omelets, wraps, salad and cold cut platters, and overstuffed sandwiches range from $6.95 to $24.95. Dinner specials, which include pickles, coleslaw, bread and two sides, are $20.95 to $25.95. They serve beer and wine. Desserts are $3.50 to $7.50.

What’s more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade matzo ball soup, loaded with noodles? It was a great opener. Sweet and sour stuffed cabbage was, we agreed, the best we’ve tasted. Delicious hors d’oeuvres came next — franks in blankets, mini knishes, potato pancakes, and fried kreplach — all available by the dozen. Dr. Brown’s cream soda was a given.

Meats are lean, thinly sliced, generously portioned, tender and tasty — making a sandwich a hearty, enjoyable meal. If you choose one, order a side of sweet potato fries — thickly cut and crisp. Super deluxe was a triple-decker on rye, heaped with corned beef, pastrami, coleslaw and Russian dressing. Wally’s famous Knishwich is a double treat — a square knish stuffed with pastrami or corned beef. The Meshugana needs no fries — plenty of tender brisket and mashed potatoes on garlic bread with a side of gravy. We enjoyed a sampler of desserts: apple strudel, seven layer cake and home baked rugelach.

Catering is available for all events, and they deliver and ship anywhere. On-site parties for up to 50 can be accommodated. Lido Kosher Deli serves only kosher products, and is under strict supervision of Va’ad Harboring Lemeshrmet Hakasrut.

Recommendations:
■ Chicken Noodle Soup with Matzo Balls
■ Fried Kreplach with Duck Sauce
■ Franks in Blankets
■ Mini Knishes
■ Potato Latkes with Applesauce
■ Stuffed Cabbage
■ Sweet Potato Fries
■ Super Deluxe
■ Wally’s Favorite Knishwich
■ The Meshugana
■ Home Baked Rugelach
■ Seven Layer Cake
■ Apple Strudel