So what is the first thing I did after I arrived in New York and checked into the hotel? Well of course, I checked out Katz's Deli. I have heard so much about their Reuben Sandwich and of late their Pastrami Sandwich.
I met up with one of the ladies from the group I am about to join for this New York stint and we headed off for this uniquely American food adventure. She had not heard of Katz's Deli before so I was delighted to be able to share this experience with her.
When we walked in there was a man handing out red ticket stubs to the walk ins. I explained to him we were visitors and new to this and asked him to please explain to us the ticketing system. Thank goodness he was gracious enough to do so. He must be asked that question thousands of times.
So the way it works is we find a table. With the ticket in hand, we queue at the counter we want to order from. There is a section for sandwiches, a section for sides and drinks for example. When your order is served, you present the ticket to the attendee and he will mark the cost on the ticket. You then move on to the next section which you want to place another order and the process continues. As these men and women are serving you, you would typically hand the tip at the section you ordered from.
Note that after you place your order, say at the sandwich section, the man slicing up the pastrami passes you a few slivers of the meat before he starts working on the sandwich. So you get a taste before the actual serving. Cool!
Then with your full tray, you dine at your table. When you are ready to leave, hand your ticket to the cashier who is located just before the exit door. You pay according to what is marked. No extra tips are necessary at that point in time. Easy!
