Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks at Grand Re-Opening of Carnegie Deli

February 17, 2016

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Well, the Carnegie Deli means so much to all of us. This – this is a quintessential New York City place. This is an icon. There are some things that actually deserve the phrase ‘icon’, and this is one of them.

Marian, I’m so happy for you that this is – I know it was difficult for all of us that the Carnegie Deli was not around for a little while. And I want to thank everyone with the city who worked hard – the Small Business Services Department worked hard to help you get back and running. But there was a hole in our hearts when the Carnegie Deli wasn’t open because it means so much to New York City. You know, I try to be careful but sometimes I have to tell the blunt truth: this is the finest pastrami sandwich anywhere in New York City.

[Applause]

I stake my reputation on it.

[Applause]

And this is a place that means so much to us, it really epitomizes what’s great about New York City. There’s so much spirit here. There’s so much history here. Generations – families have come here – generation after generation and there is something about it that reminds us of all of what’s good about New York City. And I love the fact – Mark you can tell the stories of all the amazing people who have [inaudible].

[Laughter]

That’s amazing, that’s wonderful. So, it’s a pleasure to be here, and New York City is whole again. And now all New Yorkers should try to eat the whole pastrami sandwich.

[Laughter]