Ben's Closes

Ben's Delicatessen on Maisonneuve has finally closed
(link to radio canada)

The article says a new 28-story tower might soon be built in its place, but I guess the main reason is not that it's a prime real estate spot, but that its employees were on strike for months....

Here's a nice (if a bit long) obituary. (@ Blork.org)

I've been to Ben's only once. Did not like the service (no matter how authentic and befitting), and thought that below-average-quality breakfast should probably not cost $15. Any NYC diner will make better eggs for $4. (And they will call probably you honey, whether you like it or not. Personally, I still prefer that to a waiter who grabs his tip from the table and withdraws without uttering a sound...)

I walked by and took some photos recently:

http://www.montrealbits.com/photos/bens_en_greve_1.html

http://www.montrealbits.com/photos/bens_en_greve_sign_1.html

Now that the restaurant is definitely closed, the battle has moved to the architectural front: some people were protesting yesterday against the demolition of the building.

Preserving slice of Montreal life

Civic heritage supporters, art deco lovers protest against demolition of Ben's
IRWIN BLOCK, The Gazette
Published: Friday, June 15, 2007