By Arlene Bell Santa Monica
I am writing to advise you of a very special deli on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica that you missed in your article concerning delis (“Sandwich lovers are taking sides,” page 14, Jan. 20): The NYBD, New York Bagel and Deli, located near 23rd Street on Wilshire Boulevard.
I am a frequent customer of NYBD. This deli is very special and has an owner who is most welcoming and creates a very warm and inviting atmosphere. The environment of NYBD has caused many regular customers to become an extremely close-knit group of friends. This group comprises of about 40 people, ages 2 to 80. The group includes working people, married, single, retired people and professionals, and we met because of the relaxed and warm environment created by (the owner).
Together, we made a party at a private home when the owner got married. At a recent funeral for the wife of one of the customers, not only did many of the group attend, but the owner and staff of NYBD also attended. Several individuals have helped others in time of need, such as sickness, and others have celebrated birthdays at NYBD and had the entire group there.
Not everyone is there every day, but there are some that do have breakfast at NYBD daily. On the weekends, one couple with a preschooler still come to join the gang, even though they moved to the Valley. Many of us, including myself, block out Saturday mornings so as not to miss seeing our regular group of friends. It is a special and fun time, indeed. I have never heard of such a group of friends developing from any restaurant or “bagel place,” which is how we refer to NYBD.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 24, 2007. Read the original PDF.