Riordan's new vision of Mort's Deli

Nine dollar French toast is a little too upscale for one Palisades blogger's taste.

You might know it as the deli that's been featured often on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm-- the place where Larry David had a sandwich named after him (the place was called "Leo's" on the show).

Mort died in 1999, and last year his widow closed a deal to sell the join to former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan, who owns several other eateries in Los Angeles including the crapulous tourist trap Gladstones at Sunset & PCH, and the aged Original Pantry downtown. All through the approval processes, Riordan promised to carry on Mort's tradition as a deli and comfortable, neighborly gathering place.

Did we forget Riordan is a politician? A look through the window this week revealed something that looked litle like a delicatessan of any sort. And today, as the new Village Pantry prepares for a "soft opening" next week, it turns out that the deli is dead.

Mort's has gone "upscale." And brisket-less.

The menu still has pastrami and matzo ball soup, but pointedly "isn't going to be a renovated deli."

Previously:
Riordan always has a place to eat
Crisis in the Palisades