(JNi.media) Katz’s Deli, a Lower East Side institution since 1888, has issued a statement in memory of its departed chef:
“It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and head chef, Kenneth Kohn. As a lifelong resident of the Lower East Side, Kenny was passionate about our neighborhood and its residents, and as a 20 year member of the Katz’s family, he will forever remain an integral part of this restaurant’s legacy. He will be greatly missed.”
Kenneth Kohn lived with his wife Christine and three daughters on the Lower East Side and was a familiar and jovial presence in the neighborhood.
In 1888, the Iceland brothers established a small deli on Ludlow Street (one block west of Essex) and named it Iceland Brothers. When, in 1903, they became partners with Willy Katz, they renamed the store Iceland & Katz. In 1910, Willy and his cousin Benny bought out the Iceland brothers and the place was renamed for the last time as Katz’s Delicatessen. In fact, when, in 1917, Harry Tarowsky bought into the partnership, they still kept the name Katz’s Delicatessen, although folks were already starting to call it Katz’s Deli.
During its illustrious history, Katz’s moved along the block on Houston Street and expanded quite a bit.
Katz’s was the restaurant where Meg Ryan performed her famous scene with Billy Crystal watching in awe, in “When Harry Met Sally,” after which Estelle Reiner, playing a customer, tells her waiter, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
