My NY colleagues and I have probably tried all the deli places within 1 mile radius. Today I went to a French deli that I haven’t been before, Kitchen Provance , located on 45th between 6th & 7th. It serves hot entree bars and a salad bar, plus pastries.

The entree bar is probably the most gourmet I’ve tried in this neighborhood. For example today I got Polenta Pizzette, Zucchini cake, and Ricotta Roasted Vegetables Roulade, just to name a few.

What’s bugging me is the deli is not that busy compared with its neighbors, although the quality leaves the competitors in dust, and the french country decor is cute, clean and intimate. I noticed two things that might have affected it. The food section is way in the back of the deli, and the lighting is on the dim side, so it’s difficult for pedestrians to glimpse quickly what they’re serving. The unofficial standard for NY delis is to have entree bar in the center of the store.

The second is the credit card is acceptable, but it’s in the back of the kitchen and can only be handled by a grumpy looking mid-aged woman who appears to be the owner. After waiting for two minutes, the woman came out to hand over the receipt to the cashier, and she gave me a head to toe glance. Frankly, just for this reason, I don’t think I’m going back. But for those of you who use cash, I’d definitely recommend it.