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Yes, you can still purchase matzo all over the city. But when Streit’s Matzo Factory, the last matzo factory on the Lower East Side, closed in 2015, we were, well, verklempt.
The LES, once a Jewish stronghold, has only a few remaining vestiges of that old-world cuisine left. There has been some resurgent interest in smoked fish and appetizing foods, however: Russ & Daughters opened a second location, Russ & Daughters Cafe, in 2014.
Streit’s still bakes matzo in its Meadowlands, New Jersey, location, but passersby are no longer able to connect with the matzo by watching the show through the LES location’s famous window. And what’s next?
“Prices are going up, costs are going up and production is going down,” co-owner Alan Adler said in 2015.
” data-id=”19802487″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/24316_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.9802487″/> Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle
Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery, at 137 E. Houston St., on the Lower East Side. Dating to 1910, it’s the first knishery in NYC and is still in operation today.” data-id=”19811875″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/24318_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.9811875″/> Photo Credit: iStock
New York City is a place of constant change. Neighborhoods look and feel different with each year. Restaurants open. Restaurants close. And our palates change.
Some classic New York foods, once easy to find, require a bit more of a search these days.