Retired on the West Coast, we don’t get to Manhattan that often any more. However, whenever we’re on the sidewalks of New York, we make a pilgrimage to a genuine deli. Now that the Stage Deli is no more, it’s all the more important that we head for the venerable Carnegie at 854 7th Avenue.

For the past 80 years, this eatery named for the nearby music institution, offers a large menu of favorites, featuring all the traditional deli foods. We usually order a corned beef on rye sandwich. It’s so large and stuffed with tasty slices that we always share one.

It’s washed down with Dr. Brown’s Root Beer, and topped off with delicious strawberry cheese cake. On our last visit, we paid about $35 for the nostalgic experience for two.

Note of caution: If you intend to nosh at the Carnegie Deli, try to get there very early or very late in the day. It’s nearly always jam-packed with locals and tourists, and the noise and crowding are almost toxic. For menu, prices, hours and other info, go to carnegiedeli.com