I have fond memories of going to Riverside Square Mall in Hackensack, NJ and eating at Hello Deli with my parents. They had the most delicious pastrami sandwiches and pea soup that was so thick you could hold up a spoon in it. I would split a sandwich with my father and still not be able to finish it. He would be more than happy to help me clear my plate. No matter what, I always had room for my pickles and health salad.
Mikki and Al were my in-laws. Mikki loved a good pastrami sandwich and Al’s favorite was chopped chicken liver. Don’t forget a big bowl of soup. I realized that the foods I loved were the same foods they ate. Food is a universal language. Feed me and I am your friend for life.
I had owned and operated Plum on Park since 2010. Covid-19 brought that bustling business to a screeching halt. It was a time of reflection as I sat home for the first time in my life. I had been working 16 hours a day for almost 10 years. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was remembering family and so many memories. Memories that came from great meals shared together. Cultures being brought together from one generation to another, one friend to another, all through food. And I remembered Mikki and Al. I wanted to open up Mikki and Al’s four years ago when they were living but I couldn’t spread myself any thinner. Unfortunate circumstances led me to finally honor their memory. So, I welcome you to their restaurant. A place that they would have eaten at every day. They didn’t care who you were or who you knew. Just be a mensch!
