I should have been a headline writer, eh? Those I can deliver on time. Oh, snap!

We went to turn on the gas yesterday and ran in to a series of difficulties that will be resolved on Monday. However, we had planned to work through the weekend to figure everything out in order to be able to open Sept 1. Unfortunately we’ll now be delayed by a few days… in order to serve you better?

I know: stick to headlines, Caplansky. The place looks fantastic though. The signs are up and the front of house is just about ready. We’ve been smoking for a week and we’ll have plenty of meat when we eventually open.

Who do I think I am? Seriously. Its getting a little much – even for me. Wait till you see my image (courtesy of Victor Taveres, Harvey Cowan, Mike Takasaki and Glen Desouza) on windows, doors and t-shirts. Harvey and his friend Chaat (UB Signs) have even printed a life-sized version for the front entrance even though I’ve threatened to be the first to draw a mustache and boobs on me. I’ll hang me in effigy!

Leon put up the lights today and I am having difficulty containing myself. They are magnificent. The tables and chairs are in place and once the bar (ahem) and the hot water heater (double ahem) get replaced, we’ll be ready. When might that be? That may may happen tomorrow but it’ll take us days to get ready so as of right now you can expect to dine chez Caplansky’s next week.

The guys started slicer training this week and they’re doing alright. We got off to a rocky start but Neil Gertler looks like a natural slicer and Danny Griesdorf rocked in today to show us how its done. This kid can slice and once worked at Switzers (which means he’s not exactly a kid). I’m really excited by the talented people we have and over the next 5 days we’ll be trying to make sure we get this right.

Thanks for your patience and in the words of our own Tragically Hip I hope and expect it’ll be “well worth the wait”.

There’s this character named David Sax who’s written this book called Save The Deli (McClelland and Stewart).  Check out the video trailer…

Save The Deli (Canada)

We’re throwing David the best book launch in a deli this city’s ever seen.   Save The Deli? Save this date:  October 22, 2009

…and save room for desert.

This week will be a flurry of activity. The floors will be sealed and polished, the lighting will be hung. The benches and tables and chairs (oh my) will arrive. The hot water heater will be installed and we may even have a sign hung up – or not I haven’t decided. We’ll also need beer and pop lines installed. The bar tops are in so we’ll hook up the fridges and sinks after the floor dries. Staff training will start next weekend and we’ll be open to the public as soon as I think we can make great food.

There is actually way more than that but I can’t give away all my plans. Suffice to say that we’ll be busy.

The new menu looks great if I say so myself. The place should be operational by the end of the week so we’ll start making food next weekend.

If you or someone you know is interested in working at Caplansky’s, let me know. Attitude matters more than experience. Preference is given to customers.