Stage Deli & Restaurant Inc   

Tourists and locals alike are lured into Stage by its massive pink, red and blue neon sign, claustrophobic seating, worn mosaic floors and autographed Broadway theater posters. The Stage Deli boasts a long and illustrious reputation as a favorite haunt of Broadway babies. Comforting appetizers include chopped liver, stuffed cabbage and potato pierogi, mish mash chicken soup (with a matzoh ball, a kreplach, rice and noodles) and borscht. Most dishes are named after celebrities, a tradition started in 1937 when owner Max Asnas invited famous clientele to create their favorite combinations. Admittedly today some items have no real connection to their namesakes, although some monikers are rather clever: Richard Simmons' Tropical Fruit Salad (cottage cheese, fresh fruit and strawberry Jell-O), the Dolly Parton (pastrami and corned beef on twin rolls), and the Rudy Giuliani hero (corned beef, pastrami, muenster and Swiss cheeses, coleslaw and Russian dressing.) Then there are the Tom Cruise (roast beef, turkey or brisket with gravy and fries) and the Julia Roberts (chicken salad, hard-boiled egg, lettuce and tomato.) You figure it out. -- Amanda Dorato