Santa Monica Daily Press' Michael Ryan: It's a Family Affair at Langer's

29 August 2011

The Santa Monica Daily Press, the leading local newspaper for the Santa Monica community, publishes a regular column called "Tour de Feast" that includes a unique angle: the author, Michael Ryan, visits local eateries on bicycle. His pieces are fun, witty and well researched, and belie the fact that he arrives at every article subject on two wheels (instead of the more Los Angeles-centric four).

Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant is the subject of his most recent article, and it's just terrific - we encourage you to visit SMDP.com to read the entire piece - it's that good:

What makes Langer's great is the food. What makes Langer's an institution is how it's run. The delicatessen was established by Al Langer back in 1947. Three dining room expansions and 4 million pounds of pastrami later Al Langer's son Norm has made a definitive point to preserve what his father worked all his life to build.

"I'm here six days a week. I'm here to watch the product, I'm here to tailor it, to make sure it goes out the way my dad originally prescribed it. The minute I walk away it's subject to change," Norm said.

I cannot imagine Mr. Langer takes many days off. Imagining the restaurant on one of Norm's vacation days is like "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson when he had guest hosts. It just does not seem appropriate. Being the consummate professional Norm is, you will never hear him utter the "F" word — franchise.

"To open up more restaurants means the product is going to suffer. Anytime something is run by family, it's a living, breathing part of you and that's what makes it a success," Norm said.

In addition, Michael created an accompanying video profile to the story, which you can watch right here, right now:

Click here now to read Michael's complete article at the Santa Monica Daily Press website.

From all of us at Langer's Deli, thank you, Michael, for a wonderful article and video.

- The Langers