I LOVE DELI FOOD! OK, there, that’s out now. I just wanted to make sure that you knew exactly where I was coming from when you read this piece.
I have a sneaking suspicion that being raised on smoked/cured meats and fish and freshly baked bagels are the prime reason for my love of deli fare.
When you write about food, folks will ask you what your favorite type of food is. It just comes with the territory. The trendy thing to say is, “I’m really developing a taste for the flavors of Kerala.” That will most definitely elicit a blank stare from the questioner. But I’m just not that cool. My answer is DELI.
I know, it’s pretty pedestrian. That’s what I actually love so much about it. Aside from the fact that I grew up on it, of course. Deli food is approachable. It is comfortable and warming. In a word, it’s easy.
When I’m eating an overstuffed corned beef sandwich, I don’t have to be concerned if I'm picking up the subtle flavor of Thai basil or that hint of kaffir lime that the chef has painstakingly intertwined into his/her dish. Those flavors are all wonderful. I certainly have an appreciation for all styles of ethnic cuisine, but sometimes you don’t want complex. Sometimes easy is just perfect.
It’s not lost on me that a lot of this depends on what you have in your culinary past. If you were raised on the flavors of Southeast Asia, then that is probably your go-to comfort food. The same can be said of any part of the planet that has a distinct style of food. I guess being from Chicago, at least for me, that style is deli.
Image courtesy Stuart Lax
In my neighborhood in the south suburbs of Chicago, we had Al’s Deli. Before it was Al’s it was Bergman’s Deli. Yes, this place had been there for a while. Al’s was a gathering place. It was a place to eat. But like most delis across the country, this is mainly about people in addition to the food.
In the late 60s, I used to go with my dad to Al’s for a weekend lox and bagel run. I remember being fascinated with the bread slicing machine behind the counter. It was oddly pre-historic looking with its metal teeth slicing through soft Rosen’s Rye bread. It made a sound when running that was distinct and unmistakable. Kind of like a low rumble and chatter.
Image used with permission, Berkel Equipment
We would usually pick up a dozen mixed bagels, some lox, cream cheese, and maybe some smoked chubs or a whitefish. As an adult, I just love good smoked chubs. As a child, the thought of swallowing one or more of those tiny, hairlike bones bordered on slightly terrifying. An activity best left to the adults.
Al’s has long since been shuttered. My memory of Al’s hasn’t lost its sharpness. Whether it's the sound of Al (or Wally) yelling for a server to pick up their table’s food or the low din of conversations that was just below audible, it’s all still vivid.
When I think deli food, this is the goal that I’m shooting for. And I think it should be your goal too!
That is a corned beef sandwich from Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen in Chicago. Yes, it's enough for two meals or two people. I have been known to finish one by myself on many occasions. If you’re from NY, you can sub in a Katz’s corned beef or pastrami if you’d like. I think you can see what I’m getting at here. It’s not your typical sandwich. And that’s the point, I think. You can’t eat one of those every day. But it’s nice to have the opportunity when the mood strikes.
That takes us to Sarasota. Yes, we have a deli scene here. No, it’s not like the deli you can get in New York, Chicago, or even Miami. And that’s OK. That style of deli food isn’t for everyone. To be honest, some people just don’t have time for a one hour post-lunch nap.
Our Sarasota deli scene is a little less over the top. It is dominated by local food purveyor, Boars Head. They make consistently delicious deli products, and their meats and cheeses are ideal for any sandwich you might be creating. The real question we’re here to answer is, “can you find some delicious deli food around town?” The answer is a BIG yes! Of course, we have a few suggestions for you! Grab your spicy brown mustard, and let’s check some places off our Sarasota deli to-do list!
Image courtesy of Nori Guevara
Anna’s Deli (6535 Midnight Pass Rd., (941) 349-4888)
“The Oldest Eatery on Siesta Key.” Since 1971, Anna’s has been known for their oversized sandwich creations. The Surfer is their signature sandwich, and it is crazy good. It’s a whole lot of sandwich too! It’s a good thing a half sandwich is an option! These sandwiches make great beach food!
Corkscrew Deli (4982 S. Tamiami Trl., (941) 925-3955)
Opened in 1994 and located in The Landing’s Plaza, the Corkscrew has something for everyone. I really mean that. They have a big menu of sandwich choices. This place is super affordable too. They feature a $4.59 special of the day! I like Wednesday's special, The Paisano.
Brooklyn Bagels and Deli (6970 S. Beneva Rd., (941) 993-1577)
This is getting closer to the deli experience that I love. Lots of bagel choices. Yes, they have whitefish salad AND Taylor ham. They do have a tasty hot pastrami. They just opened a second location on Cattlemen Road.
Madison Avenue Café & Deli (28 N. Blvd. of the Presidents, (941) 388-3354)
Located on St. Armands Circle is Madison Avenue. They feature Boars Head products. It’s a good stop if you’re wandering the circle doing a bit of window (or actual) shopping and need a casual food stop. They have a bunch of wraps on the menu (not traditional deli fare, but still delicious). They also offer multiple soups per day, which I just love!
Michelle’s Brown Bag Café (1819 Main St., (941) 365-5858)
Michelle’s is an out of the way spot, located in the lobby of the Wells Fargo Building on Main Street. This is not your typical deli. Sure, you could get a turkey sandwich if you wanted. But why do that when you can get a Braden-Turkey? Also, the #7 is great! Perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
Nellie’s Deli Market & Catering (15 S. Beneva Rd., (941) 924-2705)
Nellie’s is a longtime member of the Sarasota deli community. You can get one of the daily specials (on Wednesday's they feature Nellie’s Hot Pressed Cuban Sandwich) or maybe a Beef and Bird sandwich. Just like Madison Avenue, they feature two or three soups every day. They also have a full catering operation if you’re hosting a gathering.
AND…
Bridges Restaurant (Embassy Suites Hotel - 202 N. Tamiami Trl., (941) 536-9107)
This one is a hidden deli gem. It is the closest thing to big city deli food that you can get in town. If that’s your thing, then this is for you. The food is fantastic. The setting? Well, that’s a bit “non-deli” (but they do have terrific views). Chef Sol Shenker has been the Executive Chef at Bridges Restaurant for a while now, and he brought his locally famous deli food with him. In addition to the regular Bridges menu, you can order from Sol’s Deli Corner! Yes, that menu has overstuffed corned beef sandwiches, pastrami, matzoh ball soup, and of course Sol’s famous cheesecake! Bridges is super close to the Van Wezel. Great for a pre-show deli dinner or an after-show cheesecake dessert!
Now that's deli!
Let’s wind things up, shall we? Can you get New York or Chicago deli food here in Sarasota? You can get close. Can you get great Sarasota-style deli food here? That is a definite YES! All you need to do is make the rounds. You may want to leave a little time in your afternoon schedule for that nap we talked about earlier.
Yes, we have some links that you might be interested in.
We’ve done all of the heavy lifting for you! All you need to do is make that reservation. Here are some upcoming local food events that we think you might find interesting…
FEB 11 - St. Supery Wine Dinner – Mattison’s Forty-One - INFORMATION
FEB 14 – Four Course Valentine’s Dinner – Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood - INFORMATION
FEB 14 - Valentine's Day Dinner - Mademoiselle Paris - INFORMATION
FEB 19 - Orin Swift Cellars Wine Dinner – GROVE Restaurant - INFORMATION
EVERY SUNDAY - Siesta Key Farmers Market - DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch - DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmers Market - DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market - DETAILS
THIRD THURSDAY NIGHT – RADD Night Market - DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmers Market - DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY - Downtown Bradenton Public Market - DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Farmers Market - DETAILS
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