Lost in all the excitement of yesterday’s fireworks was a celebration of a different kind: the return of a deli that doubles as a community center.
Elvira Mae’s — the new incarnation of the long-loved Elvira’s — had been all set to open. Owners Betsy and Hal Kravitz were shooting for before the fireworks.
Once the final piece was in place — a new grease trap (“not that we’ll have much grease,” Betsy notes) — the CO was issued.
At 3:05 yesterday afternoon, the first ice cream cone was handed through the new window.
And quickly devoured.
The ice cream window is an instant hit. (Photo/Robin Tauck)
Betsy proved her local love by giving free food to everyone working for the fireworks (plus Tootsie Rolls to the kids).
Elvira Mae’s will be closed tomorrow, for finishing touches on the interior. But it will open for real Saturday morning at 7. The breakfast menu includes coffee (with a full espresso machine), hot and cold drinks, bagels, pastries, eggs, smoothies and yogurt.
And yes: The egg sandwich will taste exactly the same as before. Elvira’s cook returns to Elvira Mae’s.
Owner Betsy Kravitz, with her gleaming new espresso machine.
House accounts return too. Someone just plunked down $100 for the first one.
The deli will be open till 4, serving sandwiches and other fresh food — all made to order, on the grill.
The ice cream window — already a favorite — is open until 9 p.m.
Betsy has not missed a trick. Just above the candy in the back, the wall sports all those kids’ photos that for years sat under the front counter glass. There are pictures too of Stacy, Niki and the rest of the original Elvira’s owners.
Candy and kids’ photos ..
Plus a (non-working) pay phone. It’s an homage to decades ago, when the market had the only phone around. When the phone rang the owner walked outside, yelled someone’s name, then waited for that person to walk over and take the call.
… and the original owners’ photos, alongside the (non-working) pay phone.
In the new Elvira Mae’s, Betsy and Hal’s relatives all pitch in. They believe in her mission: to make everyone feel welcome.
As anyone who’s been to Elvira Mae’s can attest: She already has.
A classic scene returns, updated. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
So good to see the past being honored, built on and improved not just bulldozed down in the name of “progress”
May you have many years of fun and success.
Really love this, and big kudos to the new owners — can’t wait to visit!
Great job, guys!!
Oh Thank you. Those were the days my friends and when they almost ended we were beside ourselves. Thank you Betsy Kravitz. We wish you success and a very long run in a favorite spot. Love the telephone.
Yes it was known back in the day as grubs, but we often used to call it Kenny’s after the owner Kenny. Thanks for the
Memories and update Dan from one of us who grew up by the Mill Pond. Happy 4th!!!!
We all have to go out of our way to patronize Elvira’s
We are so lucky it was not just sold for land value
Thanks you new owners
We are so very proud of you guys and all you are doing up there. One of these days we will get out of Florida and come see you guys. Love you!
The new place looks great in the pictures. I can’t wait to get there! I hope the buffalo wings are still a menu item like at Elvira’s if the cook is the same – and the ham omelettes too!
I also love the reference to “Grubs”. We called him Kenny when we were little and rode our bikes there from Grove Point Road (near the site of the old “Penguin” to get penny candy – mint juleps 2 for 1 penny!