I'm surprised no one from the 'old neighborhood' (University Ave, between Tremont and 174th) hasn't mentioned Ronai's Deli. Joe Ronai started the business, and then took on Morty Zeltzer as his partner. Morty was formerly a partner at Curtis' Supermarket, next door to the Deli. Both of them worked seven days a week. Not only providing the the sandwiches, knishes, specials (remember them) and full Hungarian style meals, but also catering an unbelievable number of bar mitzvahs, weddings, graduation parties, etc. Never had anything less than a great meal from that place, no matter what the venue. I also remember one of the cooks who had a giant mustache and such a heavy Hungarian accent that took me a few years to understand what he was saying. Anyone have any fond memories about Ronai's?
Other places I remember were Crown Pizza, which was the first place I ate pizza that wasn't sold from a truck, Steve's and the square pizza places. Luhr's, which was originally Rushmeyers had great homemade ice cream. Used to go there after playing basketball at the PS 109 evening center on Friday nights. Also the pickles at Olinsky's. Picked up a few before being let off at the Park Plaza for a day's worth of B movies, cartoons, and shorts. Haven't thought about those places in years.

Your making me hungry! I think I'm going out now for a black and white malted and some salted pretzel sticks.

Jeff, grew up on Popham Ave. bet. 174th & 175th. Thanks for the great memories, Joe Ronai catered my Bar Mitzvah. You left out Eddie & Shirley Charnin's candy store.

I knew Eddie and Shirley, ha, Eddie was afraid of his wife, he was a nice guy, but she was a pain in the butt.

I was at a wedding once and Joe Ranai catered it he caught one look at me and said, "Feed this guy, he's one of my kids".

To this day I can't find the large potato knish that I got at Ronai's....