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.

Pastrami for breakfast?

Mayor Bill de Blasio, actor Dominic Chianese and food writer Mimi Sheraton nosh on pastrami on rye with mustard, plus sour and half-sour pickles at the reopening of the Carnegie Deli. (Credit: Georgia Kral)

Made in-house

Carnegie Deli makes its pastrami and corned beef in-house. The sandwiches are "gargantuan," said Marian Harper. (Credit: Georgia Kral)

All of the pickles

Both half-sour and full-sour pickles are made at the Carnegie and come with every sandwich. Of course. (Credit: Georgia Kral)

Soda in the morning, too

The reopening of the Carnegie Deli on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, is also an excuse to drink soda. But not just any soda -- Dr. Brown's Cel-ray, which Mayor de Blasio was quick to say he loved. (Credit: Georgia Kral)

The famous cheesecake

New York-style cheesecake is iconic, and at the Carnegie Deli, a slice to follow a sandwich is basically required. To celebrate the reopening, all customers who dine-in at the deli on Feb. 17 get a free slice with the purchase of any entree or sandwich. (Credit: Georgia Kral)

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The most popular sandwich

The gigantic sandwich -- dubbed the Woody Allen because "Broadway Danny Rose" was partially filmed at the Carnegie -- is a double-decker made with both pastrami and corned beef. It costs $29.99! (Credit: Georgia Kral)

'It's a New York tradition'

Actor Dominic Chianese ("The Sopranos") was on hand to celebrate the reopening. "I love the food and the camaraderie," he said. His order? The Reuben. (Credit: Georgia Kral)

Wall of famous faces

The walls of the Carnegie Deli are covered in photographs of celebs and other luminaries, from Michael Jordan to Britney Spears to Alice Cooper. (Credit: Georgia Kral )

More pickles

An employee dressed as a pickle served bite-sized pickles to everyone. (Credit: Georgia Kral )