I’m lucky enough to have grandparents who are turning 90 years old – plus they live in the second best city in the U.S. – New York. I’m only in town for 30 hours thanks to a busy work schedule so I had to make the time count while still working around the old folks’ schedule.
We almost ALWAYS go to Ben’s Kosher Deli in Bayside. Its nearby, there’s parking and old people are welcome.
In fact, I was the youngest person there. A walker might as well be required for admission.
Like any good Jewish Deli, the meal began with a pickle bowl and, in this case, great cole slaw – my grandpa couldn’t get enough of it! The pickles offered were sour and half sour. Offering two kinds switches it up from the normal dill.
For our meal, my grandfather ordered corned beef and cabbage. The beef was thick sliced and very tender. Cabbage was fine and simply boiled.
I ordered a “pick three” sandwich of home made pastrami, corned beef and tongue on rye with deli mustard. I was in heaven. The pastrami and corned beef were cut thicker than your normal deli – probably hand cut.
The pastrami had rich pepper seasoning and just the right amount of fat. The tongue on the other hand was probably the best deli beef tongue I’ve tasted anywhere.
Tongue is all about texture. Its a mild flavored cut but has a great almost creamy texture in your mouth. The sandwich was plentiful and over-stuffed which makes it a bit hard to eat.
Ben’s however, provides you with a side dish of rye bread to make your own sized smmies if you choose – a smart touch.
Hats off to our server Sam and everyone else who has the “pleasure” of serving such a fine clientele.
We were too full for one of their specialty desserts on this visit. No worries as I’m sure we will be returning to Ben’s for as long as we are visiting Jamaica, Queens. Its absolutely something to look forward to if not just for the best deli tongue around.
I’m hungry. Lets eat!
Hungry Hungry Hinden 
Agreed. It was yummy…and a true slice of New York. Even I felt young.