I lived in Las Vegas for over 30 years. Despite a large Jewish population in the city, there has always bean a dearth of good delis there.

Stage Deli was fabulous … for about the first two months after it opened. After that, it was very expensive garbage. Believe me, its closing is no loss.

Of course the “far better deli” you’re referring to is the Bagel Cafe. When they first opened, it was a real mishmosh, about half deli and half hippie food with alfalfa sprouts, etc. But gradually it developed into a pretty good deli, with fabulous Early Bird dinners at a very reasonable price.

Still, the quality of food at Bagel Cafe is uneven.

Their rye bread and challah are wonderful–as good as anything I ever bought on Fairfax in LA. Their bagels are giant, and among the best I’ve had in years. On the other hand, their sweet pastries (with the exception of rugeleh) are pretty much flavorless.

Bagel Cafe’s pastrami is far too lean–it reminds me of turkey pastrami, which is an oxymoron; their brisket of beef is to die for.

Their fish salads (whitefish, salmon) are excellent. Their breakfasts? Go to Denny’s instead.

It’s sad to hear the place closing, but I guess it’s not a huge surprise…