Walking along Houston Street on a chilly February night around 7:30 p.m. , I came across one of the Lower East Side’s landmarks, Katz’s Deli. Since 1888, this delicatessen has served thousands of New Yorkers from all over. Not even a recession could slow down its business as the place was packed with customers waiting to be served as groups of people were still entering, nearly three hours before closing. I smiled as one of my favorite food spots was alive and kicking. However, as I turned the corner, down Ludlow Street, I looked to my left and then gazed up. I stood in awe at this hotel that towered over Katz’s Deli. It was “The Ludlow” and it offered “A New View of the L.E.S.” While I must admit that this sleek modern building was a pleasant site, it’s cleanliness made it stick out like a sore thumb.
“It changes the landscape of the area. For the past 100 years, the landscape has been tenements,” said Kevin Albinder, manager of Katz’s Deli for 28 years.
As I continued walking down Ludlow Street and saw an abandoned car with a New York license plate reading EHV 1809 parked in a dark “active driveway” that is open 24/7, reality began to set in again. The filth that has become synonomous with this great city and is one of our unfortunate trademarks was omnipresent. Large black garbage bags crowded sidewalks on small narrow streets. Puddles near poles suggested “man’s best friend” was marking his or her territory. Worst of all, apparently the city ran out of paper. On the side of sidewalk ATMs, buildings, garbage cans, and on sidewalks, spray-painted initials and drawings existed.
As I reached home and locked the door, I wondered if the neighborhood is content with our image. It was then I realized, somehow, we must make a conscientous effort to provide what “The Ludlow” was advertising, a new view of the L.E.S.
To check out the new view, visit http://www.theludlownyc.com/
I really appreciate your description of the neighborhood. Yeah, it’s real dirty, but I’m sure that’s part of the appeal. I mean, I personally enjoy hanging out around Max Fish and the record stores in the area, but I guess the high-rise is more for young professionals who want just a little bit of distance from the trashbags and hipsters.
I am not a frequent visitor of the L.E.S. but your description of the neighborhood allowed me to paint a picture of it. It was as if I was walking its streets with your eyes. In addition, it proves that you were able to catch the essense of the L.E.S. Maybe, one day I will visit Katz’s Deli; it must be something if it lasted so long.
I love the signature LES atmosphere. So many neighborhoods in Manhattan cried when it was run down and when they are taken over by chains and yuppie stores they cry once again. New Yorkers are never happy, which is no secret to anyone. I personally enjoy the the parts of the LES that still have the same feel I know my grandparents experienced when they used to walk over from Little Italy to get some of their favorite Jewish deli food.
I use to go Katz all the time with my family when I was younger. Every time we went it was always packed, and it is good to hear that the recession has had no impact on the deli.