Delis and Nutcases in Manhattan

You have already learned about some of our adventures the other night as we strolled through Midtown, but you haven’t heard about our near attack by two highly energized individuals.

After walking around for several miles (but in NYC we refer to it as 60 blocks), Husband and I decided that we needed to take a break and get something to eat. My original plan was to go to Stage Deli or Carnegie Deli since they are two big “touristy” restaurants. Much to our chagrin “touristy” restaurant equals ridiculously outrageous prices.

Husband was walking toward the door of the Stage Deli when the door of the deli flew open nearly hitting Husband smack in the face and causing me to almost fall (what can I say… I am good at falling). Two guys stomped out of the deli, jumping up and down, throwing their arms in the air, and screaming at the top of their lungs (this was definitely the biggest spectacle we’ve seen thus far in NY). The men were screaming about what a “rip off” that restaurant was and how they charged “$45 for a burger and fries.” What Husband and I couldn’t decide was if these men were drunk, on some kind of drugs, or just really angry over having overpaid (if they even paid). I must admit it alarmed me a little as they kept screaming at Husband to stay away from there and not to give the restaurant any business because they rip people off (little did they know that there was no way we were about to pay those kind of prices). One of the two men was hitting everything in site including street vendors’ tables and street signs (in fact he hit one street sign so hard that the sign looked like it would fall off—I can only imagine the damage to the genius’ hand). Husband and I decided to keep looking for somewhere else to eat since we really wanted something more affordable, but for the next several blocks these two men remained close behind us screaming profanity laced phrases and even throwing money at a homeless man (the guy literally threw a handful of change with all his might at the startled homeless man). Husband and I popped into another deli to look at prices and the two guys continued on up the street in their tirade. I felt much safer after we ditched them.

After looking at what must be awarded “the world’s smallest $50 cheesecake” and some other expensive delis, we finally found a great and affordable place to eat dinner. What was it? Chinese of course! It is a good thing that Husband and I love Chinese food, because we may be eating a lot of it out here.