I've always wondered how Manhattan can sustain so many delis and small green grocers (Canadian French has a great word for these, depanneur, taken from the verb meaning "to tide over" or "help out") all of which seem to have exactly the same products. So it made sense when one finally closed.

The Arista Deli, on Columbus Avenue between 69th and 70th for who knows how long, was one too many. I'm not sure why, but this deli appeared to have no particular appeal. The deli on 71st and Columbus has an especially good selection of produce; the one on 68th and Columbus is close to ABC and the furthest south before Lincoln Square. I never saw anyone in the Arista Deli.

In more than 10 years here, it is the first time I've ever seen a deli go out of business in Manhattan.