From the Los Angeles Times:
Al Langer, founder of the 60-year-old Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant, whose succulent hand-cut pastrami on hot rye bread, topped with Gulden's mustard, won praise as the finest hot pastrami sandwich in America — or the world, depending on the critic — died Sunday in Agoura from complications of old age. He was 94.
Two weeks ago Langer's Delicatessen marked its 60th anniversary with a celebration that included accolades for the deli's food and its survival.
Long after the Jewish community moved away and other business owners packed up and left, driven away by the neighborhood's high crime rate, Langer kept open his business at 7th and Alvarado streets.
"This place never gave up on the community," Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine said to a crowd at the 60th-anniversary celebration.
Langer is survived by his son Norm Langer of Woodland Hills, daughter Laurie Bernie of Agoura and grandchildren Darren Langer of Calabasas, Trisha Langer of Sherman Oaks, Emily Alexandrian of Agoura Hills and Shauna Lester of Agua Dulce.
Photo Credit: Fire Monkey Fish
