Where Have All The Jewish Delis Gone?

Where Have All The Jewish Delis Gone?

Did you know there are only 120 or so authentic Jewish delis left in the country, while at one time there were 2,000 in New York alone? Sad isn't it? It's getting harder and harder to find a good, solid deli sandwich in the US. And if you think Subway makes a good deli sandwich- fuggedaboutit!

I think one of life's great pleasures is to bite into a warm, salty pastrami sandwich slathered with spicy brown mustard or piled high with tangy sauerkraut. It doesn't get any better than that! If you're curious what's going on with all the Jewish delis disappearing, check out this great documentary , "Deli Man," by Erik Greenberg Anjou.

Dugout Deli

Dugout Deli

2552 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. (916) 486-8766

If you're like me, when you go to buy a sandwich you want your money's worth. Nothing irks me more than plunking down $$ and getting a sandwich that looks like it was put together during the Great Depression- stale bread, skimpy produce and a few pieces of see through meat. So when my friend Sheri invited me to check out a new sandwich shop in her hood, The Dugout Deli, I was a bit skeptical (especially when I heard it used to be a Mr. Pickle's location) but I decided to give it a go. Boy, did the Dugout Deli end up surprising me! Clean store with a cute baseball theme, friendly staff, good value and most importantly a tasty sandwich. They also have several comfy booths to plunk down in and watch the game while you enjoy your chips and sandwich.

Oddly, I hadn't heard of the Dugout Deli before my visit but it could be because it isn't on any main strip; rather it's squirreled away in a small shopping center on Cottage Way. Despite it's "hidden" location, the deli seems to do a lot of business. During the two hours we were there (we're leisurely lunchers) there was a consistent flow of customers and every table was filled. Their menu offers a myriad of choices and they all sound so appetizing that choosing just one becomes quite difficult. I finally settled on the "Ryan Express" which included chicken salad, choice of produce toppings, Swiss cheese and fresh avocado. I had them 86 the cheese and opted for a sweet roll (they offer dutch crunch, sourdough, sweet roll, marble rye and wheat roll or sliced wheat). All sandwiches come with a complimentary cookie, which I thought was a nice touch of hospitality. Next time I'm leaning towards trying the "World Series Reuben." I saw one go by on the counter and it looked like a homerun.

In addition to hot and cold sandwiches, the Dugout also offers wraps, sides of potato/pasta/macaroni salads, a kids menu (includes sandwich, applesauce, juice box and cookie) and party trays (sandwiches, veggies or fruit). For the trays, they just need 24 hours notice. Can you say easy Sunday football party set-up?

So, for a solid sandwich at a price you won't choke on, cruise out to the 'burbs and grab lunch at the Dugout Deli. They're making some mean sandwiches out there!

Juno's Kitchen & Delicatessen

Juno's Kitchen & Delicatessen

3675 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.
www.junoskitchen.com

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting up with my friend, Michelle, for a little pre-holiday lunch. We decided to hit up Juno's, a little delicatessen on the 37th & J block. Despite having only been open for two months, Juno's exudes a vibe of being a neighborhood joint that's been around for awhile. When I walked in, I immediately recognized the smiling face working behind the counter as a former waiter at Tapa's and the owner, Mark Helms, is known for previously running the tasty Ravenous Cafe out in the Pocket area before selling it. The eatery itself is cozy (there's just a handful of small tables) and personalizes itself with small touches like the dog bed out front for furry friends but what really captivates you about Juno's is the food. It's delicious. I had heard numerous raves about their burger, which uses grass-fed Wagyu beef from New Zealand and is topped with mouthwatering caramelized onions and Manchego cheese. Michelle ordered it and I went with the pastrami sandwich since I had a burger the night before. When her burger came out, it looked so juicy and amazing, I almost regretted my decision but the pastrami sandwich was a total winner! It was served on delicious homemade toasted bread with braised cabbage, sliced cornichons and a mustard aioli (normally it would also be topped with some Gruyère but sadly I had to skip it as I had forgotten my Lactaid...doh!). The mélange of flavors- tangy, sweet and sour- was superb. Additionally, at Juno's sandwiches come with a choice of a side salad or roasted mixed potatoes. I went with the potatoes, which were tasty and seasoned well. The portion sizes for the meals which initially didn't look very large turned out to be quite filling and I left there happy, full and definitely wanting to come back!

[PS If you get a chance, check out their cute lavatory. It's decked out in an adorable woodland creature motif, complete with raccoon and deer statuettes...very Etsy-esque. I know it has nothing to do with the food...but it's cute!]

Roxie Deli and Grocery

Roxie Deli and Grocery

(meatball sub, mafia-style on dutch crunch bread w/ cheddar & sour cream chips)

"Too few people understand a really good sandwich." - James Beard

3340 C St, Sacramento, CA 95816, (916) 443-540.

If a deli could have a voice, I’d picture Roxie Deli to be sporting a Tony Danza-Who’s The Boss-esque, “Ay-oh! Oh-ay!”  Roxie’s is squirreled away on the corner of 33rd and C in East Sac in a building that looks much like your typical bare bones, urban quickie mart. However, don’t let their inconspicuous residential location fool you, those boys know how to handle their meat and make a mean sandwich.

The guys behind the counter exude a Soprano’s like tough guy demeanor but really they’re sweet as pie. I mean what gal doesn’t like to be called “pretty lady” when placing a lunch order? In fact, my 65 year old father gets called, “boss” and “young man,” when he pops in there and I think he likes it!

Back to the food. Roxie’s holds true to a firm BBQ schedule:

Monday: Tri-tip

Tuesday: Pulled Pork

Wednesday: Ribs

Thursday:  Brisket

They do their own BBQing on the smoker right outside the store and Jesus-tap dancing-Christ, it’s delicious! They also have an array of traditional deli sandwiches piled high with yummy condiments. My favorite is the meatball on dutch crunch bread (this bread is like manna from heaven, it’s simultaneously soft and crunchy). Sometimes if I’m feeling sassy, I’ll have it made “mafia-style” (meatballs, provolone, light mayo/sour cream mix and topped with parmesan cheese).  It comes in three sizes: junior, regular and supreme. I get the regular and usually can get lunch and dinner out of it, especially if I pair it with some Dirty Potato Chips.

On the flip side, Roxie’s also offers a few items in their deli-case that make me scratch my head: raviolis, tamales, piroshkies and the occasional deviled egg—but hey, they might be good for all that I know? Too bad I’ll never have any room left in my stomach to give them a whirl. Also take note, Roxie’s does stay true to their neighborhood roots by carrying various domestic 40’s and a few pints of imported brews in their cold case.

So next time you’re in East Sac, belly up to the counter…I’m sure the Roxie boys will make you an offer you can’t refuse.