Carnegie Deli reopens: ‘Finest pastrami sandwich in New York,’ de Blasio says

The famous Carnegie Deli closed last April after an illegal gas connection was discovered. On Wednesday, the deli had it’s grand reopening, with Mayor Bill de Blasio, actor Dominic Chianese and many others in attendance to celebrate the return of pickles and pastrami to 7th Avenue.

“This is a quintessential city place, this is an icon,” said de Blasio at the delicatessen Wednesday morning. “I have to be careful, but this is the finest pastrami sandwich in New York!”

Second-generation owner Marian Harper (her father was an original owner) said, while holding back tears, that being closed was very hard.

This is a special place for everybody,” she said. The reopening of the deli, she added, is important for both New Yorkers and tourists.

“The New York Jewish-style deli, there aren’t too many of us left,” she said. “We’re going to keep this going a long time.”

Here’s a look at the reopening event, complete with sandwiches and cheesecake.