After 11 long months, the smell of hot pastrami and potato knishes has made a return to North Campus with the grand reopening of the Kosher Deli, next to Bert's. Once more, students can get a taste of not only kosher foods but specialty vegetarian and vegan delights, as well.
"I am very happy to be open again," said Ely Bokobza, proprietor of the deli.
It was a hard year for Bokobza, who had to close the deli due to injuries sustained during a severe car accident.
"I suffered greatly from the accident. I had a major concussion that gave me constant headaches, bad nausea and loss of memory," said Bokobza.
Warm sentiments and good wishes from the students helped Bokobza along the road to his recovery. "I received many e-mails and kind words from the students," he said.
The students are a large part of what keeps the Kosher Deli open and successful year after year.
"I not only like the food that I get there but I also like the friendly people that help me and know me day after day that I come in," said Brad Goldstein, a sophomore undecided major.
Bokobza's friendly demeanor and warm sense of humor make the students feel at home at the deli and there are students and faculty who, even when they were not eating at the deli, stop in just to say hello.
"It is great to have a place that reminds me so much like home at school," said Justin Fuld, a senior marketing and communications major. "Jewish delicatessen food is hard to come by in Buffalo and having it on campus gives me real comfortability."
From taking orders to payments, Bokobza serves many different people in this homely atmosphere that the students have come accustomed to while eating lunch.
Though the menu has stayed the same with time, faces have changed. Still recovering, Ely has brought in Willy, a cook from the Red Jacket dining hall, to help him take orders, prepare and serve the hungry students and faculty of UB.
"Before the accident, I was able to remember four orders at once, now with my memory loss, it is a little harder for me to do that," said Bokobza.
The addition of personnel has not changed the quality of service and food that the deli has provided for so many years.
"I am very excited about the reopening of the deli," said Goldstein. "I am always around here for my classes, and it is good to know that there is a place with such good food that is so convenient to where my classes are located."
Bokobza has not slowed down from where he stopped working almost one year ago. Despite the past, he comes to UB everyday with the same positive attitude. He said he is truly appreciative for every kind word that he received from everyone and continues to show his commitment to providing good food to all within the UB community.
"I have missed a lot from my time off," said Bokobza. "I have missed all the students and all my friends."
"It is good to see that Ely is back and healthy," said senior Melissa Palleschi, a communication major. "I love his food, and I also just love going in there to talk and have fun with the people that work there."
With the deli doors open once again, old students can now eat their favorite kosher, vegetarian and vegan meals, while the new students get to try something that is sure to be a pleasant change from the rest of UB's dining areas. The Kosher Deli is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
