Kosher Delis and Subways

Kosher Delis and Subways

Do they have anything in common?

Ok readers, all three of you. Are you wondering what kind of headline this post has?

So it is heartfelt that Golden’s Kosher Deli, New Springville, Staten Island closed about three weeks ago. Times are tough. They couldn’t handle the rent.

I started going there when it opened 30 years ago. Nothing beat getting hot dogs and knishes or a beef brisket sandwich loaded with gravy on a roll. I hate rye bread. And of course you need a knish with the sandwich.

The best part of Golden’s was the old subway car dead center of the dining room. I loved sitting it. Seating was a bit cramped. But when is it not on a subway. At least in Golden’s you would sit with your friend or family. Not whatever nut job parked their behind next to you. Of course one’s family can be nuts.

Many years ago, I mean like at least 25. My dad, sister and I were seated in the subway car opposite, “Little Dennis”. He was blonde haired boy, around three. He resembled Dennis the Menace. Like any cute three year old he was excited to sit in the subway car. Let me face it, every time I went no matter how old I was I wanted to sit in it. Sadly, my dining companions grew out of it. Therefore, I was forced to sit in the main dining room. Boring.

Anyway, Little Dennis ran around like a crazy boy. He was grabbing the Gulden’s Spicy Brown mustard containers and smiling while he was making a mess. His young parents kept yelling, “Little Dennis sit down”. They did their best to contain him. My family laughed hysterically. It made that night out more fun.

As years went by every time I went into Golden’s I wondered about Little Dennis. Now, I haven’t lived on Staten Island in many years. So I basically forgot about him.

Anyway at this point in time he’s probably married and trying to keep his own kid calm in a restaurant. But when my sister sent me an EM saying Golden’s closed, the first thing I wrote back was, “I wonder where Little Dennis is going to eat”? She laughed.

I must admit several months ago, I was heading to an event at the 92Y. I saw a little boy walking out of the karate school about a block away. A slightly older girl, likely his sister was picking him up. As he walked out the door he had that look in his eye that Little Dennis had. I quickly searched my memory banks and thought of that fun night.