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Since then, it's been her dream to run a Jewish-style deli.
And so, when COVID-19 brought business at her Park Street bakery to a halt, she decided to make that dream a reality and open Mikki and Al's Noshery in its place.
The name is in memory of her in-laws.
"Mikki loved a good pastrami sandwich and Al’s favorite was chopped chicken liver," said Lee, whose gluten-free bake shop, Plum Bakery, is still open on Glenridge Avenue.
"Don’t forget a big bowl of soup. I realized that the foods I loved were the same foods they ate. Food is a universal language. Feed me and I am your friend for life."
The menu boasts all the classics: Smoked whitefish salad, matzo ball soup, pastrami, pickles, lox, black and white cookies and more.
"I wanted to open up Mikki and Al’s four years ago when they were living but I couldn't spread myself any thinner," Lee said.
"Unfortunate circumstances led me to finally honor their memory. So, I welcome you to their restaurant. A place that they would have eaten at every day. They didn’t care who you were or who you knew.
"Just be a mensch!"
Mikki & Al's Noshery, 14 Park St., Montclair
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