Just don’t eat it on a packed train.
The MTA’s latest antidote to New York City’s stomach-churning subway service is an artery-clogging Reuben from sandwich mavens Aldioro and Katz’s Delicatessen.
The new “1904” sandwich — named for the year the Big Apple subway opened — was developed in collaboration with Katz’s and will be available at four Alidoro locations through October as part of an effort to lure riders, MTA CEO Janno Lieber announced on Thursday.
“This may seem like an unconventional way to promote the transit system, but we are looking for ways to bring together iconic New York City brands and also support small and growing businesses by encouraging our riders to return to the subway,” Lieber said during an appearance outside the Alidoro sandwich shop at Moynihan Train Hall.
“Mass transit has always been the beast way to get around to take advantage of all our city has to offer, culinary or otherwise,” Lieber said.
The sub — composed of pastrami on fresh seeded rye, Dijon mustard coleslaw mixed with Calabrian pepper jam, provolone cheese and a garlic confit — cost $17, including chips and a cookie, and will be wrapped in paper designed off the infamous Massimo Vignelli 1970s subway map.
“This is some fabulous garden garlic confit, but it’s less fabulous if it ends up on the business suit or the jacket or the person next to you,” Lieber quipped. “I’m sure New Yorkers who are so good at managing stuff and how to share public space will get it.”
Seventy-five “lucky” sandwich customers will also win free OMNY farecards and fare money, Lieber said.
Katz’s owner Jake Dell noted he was “a little confused” when the MTA first called him up about creating a sandwich.
“As we went through the project and started talking about it, I got it. It made sense,” Dell said. “We are part of the Lower East Side. People don’t get to us without the MTA.”
The famed Jewish-style deli’s proprietor added: “I don’t trust a lot of people with my pastrami.”
“We went through a couple iterations,” Dell said. “This sandwich is f–king awesome.”
