Legendary 91-Year-Old Lox Slicer Returns To Zabar's On The UWS

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A familiar face is back behind the counter at Zabar's on the Upper West Side. Len Berk, 91, recently returned to his station at the iconic store slicing salmon lox for eager customers, according to the New York Post.

The Post reports that Berk has crafted thinly cut lox with his 18-inch knife from behind the Zabar's counter for the past 26 years.

Berk's employment was temporarily furloughed in March 2020 when New York City entered COVID-19 lockdown, but he was able to return to work a few weeks ago after receiving his second vaccination shot in February, according to the NY Post.

“I found that slicing salmon is a very sensual experience,” Berks told the Post, who worked as an accountant before taking up the Zabar's position in retirement. “I slide my hands across the oily surface of the fish, and it’s so soothing and relaxing — it’s a very pleasant feeling.”

Berk's received some serious love when Zabar's put up the NY Post's article about his return on Instagram.

"Welcome back, King," one person commented. "OMG I needa finally meet Len," replied New York Nico, who runs a popular Instagram account that highlights the many wonderful characters of the city, and also nominated Zabar's for its collaboration with the shoe company Vans.

"In true New Yorker fashion, I still complain when he cuts my lox too thick," another person wrote on Instagram — Berks told the Post that he prides himself on his ability to slice salmon as thinly as possible.

Zabar's is located at 2245 Broadway, near West 80th Street, and has served a long list of Upper West Side royalty — including the Jerry trifecta of Jerry Seinfeld, Jerry Stiller, and Jerry Nadler.

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