Showing posts with label Deli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deli. Show all posts

Friday, July 30, 2010

THE DELI - Puerto Vallarta

The Deli is a small, bright friendly eatery in Zona Romantica, the older, charming Puerto Vallarta, on v. Carranza. Zona Romantica (aka Los Muertos) is Vallarta's most energized area with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes. The Deli has window counter seating for 4 and table seating for 12. The space seems larger than it is with its high ceilings and soft orange sponge-rubbed walls. The air conditioning was a welcomed relief from the very warm weather.

The short menu offers 7 basic sandwiches on
focaccia, whole wheat & panini and 7 chilled salads. I realize it is low season but they were preparing only 5 of the 7 sandwiches on the menu board. I ordered the roast beef on whole wheat; my 2 bread spread options were mayo and dijon plus the usual condiments of tomato, onion and lettuce. No yellow mustard, no horseradish for the beef, no peperoncinis were to be found in this deli. The roast beef was extremely rare - far too bloody and fatty to eat. I removed the beef leaving me a thin "veggie" sandwich for lunch. This may be why they sold more coffee beverages than sandwiches during my 30+ minute visit.

There is a side cooler with a nice selection of salad dressings, sausages, dips and a small selection of baked goods making it convenient to grab these essentials and go.

It's unfortunate The Deli is not what you would expect to find given the name. The option of a great sandwich shop in Zona Romatica would be a welcomed addition.

Mmm...

The Deli


$

++++

&&


Entrée

$ 10

$$ 20

$$$ 30

$$$$ 40+

Staff

+ Stop bothering me!

++ Anyone here?

+++ Stopped when in the area.

++++ As needed and friendly.

+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall

& “One visit too many!”

&& “Convince me!”

&&& “I’ll be back!”

&&&& “Same table next week!”






Saturday, September 05, 2009

CHEEKY MONKEY DELI - St Paul

Cheeky Monkey Deli opened in February ’09 in a wide, open space of bright, white tiles, red & glossy white walls, a huge fireplace, chalkboard menus and an eclectic collection of “frame within a frame” artwork of Andy Warhol prints, comic book covers, record album covers and vintage black & white images. It works! There are no deep fryers hiding in the back making it very easy to enjoy the amazing aromas drifting from the kitchen. The steady stream of diners placing orders at the front counter indicates that the secret is out!

I have had several great experiences on prior visits; I decided to treat my parents to a dinner at one of the best casual eateries I have found in the Twin Cities.

We didn’t break my tradition and had the meat board as the starter. The fine selection of mortadella, pate, Genoa salami and prosciutto arrived with olive oil, balsamic vinegar reduction, sun dried tomatoes and an incredible combination of chopped olives & peppers (similar to tapenade with less EVOO). We used the small thin slices of French bread to make tiny open face sandwiches that quickly disappeared.

For dinner, I chose the meat loaf – the 2 thick slices were a delicious combination of beef, veal, & bits of onion resting in the pan sauce accented with butter and parsley. The side of spicy mayo included sambal creating a flavor explosion. Sambal is a very popular condiment from Southeast Asia of "mortar & pestoled" chili peppers & salt as its base. Yumm. I also had the griddle potatoes – thick, golden brown slices of Idaho potatoes generously dusted with paprika, black pepper, coarse salt & parsley.

As we finished our dinner, my father said there are few restaurants that he has gone to that he would want to talk about but this is one of them. My parents and I agree – this casual restaurant with an inviting atmosphere, super friendly staff and incredible food is fantastic!

Cheeky Monkey takes simple ingredients and makes them exceptional!

Link to prior Cheeky Monkey visit

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

CheekyMonkeyDeli.com

$
++++
✦✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$ 20
$ 30
$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

Thursday, July 30, 2009

CHEEKY MONKEY DELI – St Paul

Cheeky Monkey Deli opened in February ’09 in a wide, open space of bright, white tiles, red & glossy white walls, a huge fireplace, chalkboard menus and an eclectic collection of “frame within a frame” artwork of Andy Warhol prints, comic book covers, record album covers and vintage black & white images. It works!

My friend, Bev, splits her time between Minneapolis and San Diego. Prior to each of her trips back to Minneapolis, I am tasked to find a new eatery that neither of us has visited. Tonight, it was Cheeky Monkey.

We began the evening sipping goblets of the Banrock Merlot (organic) from New Zealand. They offer a varied and interesting list of reasonably priced beer and wine.

For our starter, we had the daily Meat Board – an excellent collection of prosciutto, rare roast beef, smoked ham, Genoa salami and black olives, pickled cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes and grainy mustard for taking it up a notch. A basket of flatbread and French bread made for easier nibbling. Great idea for a starter!

For dinner, I chose the Cumin Pork Shoulder Hot Pot – a savory, very tender serving of pork slow cooked in it own juices (strained before serving) accented with cumin and Mirepoix. Mirepoix is a simple and flavorful combination of carrots, celery and onion used in nearly every traditional French stew. The Pork Hot Pot was topped with flat leaf parsley and caramelized onions. Yumm. As my side, I selected the braised seasonal greens. Today, it was chopped kale braised in a fantastic vegetable broth with a bit of olive oil, lemon juice and tiny bits of fresh garlic. Delicious!

Bev and I decided to share a large slice of Coconut Crème pie made by the chefs in Cheeky Monkey’s kitchen. The buttery crust with a touch of brown sugar supported a thick layer of vanilla custard and a mound of whipped cream topped with a generous sprinkling of toasted coconut. Heavenly. . .

I noticed on one of the artistically written chalkboards they offer a Sunday brunch featuring food stuffs from the St Paul Farmer’s Market. My next visit will be for brunch.

Joshua, our extremely friendly server, suggested his favorites on the menu. He was spot-on every time with his suggestions. Co-owner and chef, Matt McArthur, excels in creating extraordinary, casual food. This is the best comfort food I can remember eating. Sorry Mom, Cheeky Monkey rocks!

www. CheekyMonkeyDeli.com

Mmm… Mmm… Mmm…


$
++++
✦✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$ 20
$$ 30
$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

Saturday, June 27, 2009

GUIDA’S PIZZERIA – Rochester NY (Irondequoit)

Guida’s Pizzeria is a family run eatery since 1994, with 5 locations throughout the Rochester area.

The small, comfortable 20-seat pizzeria does a huge business. Your best option is an order to-go; dining in, expect a wait. Those craving some of the best pizza and specialty subs in the area know the line extends around to the parking lot on weekend evenings. It is worth it!

After several hours of shopping, my mom, sister & I stopped for a late lunch & ordered their infamous subs. I had the Schwartzkoff – piled high with ham, breaded & deep fried chicken breast, swiss & mozzarella cheese, shredded lettuce, onion, mayo, and topped with their homemade sweet ‘n sour sauce. All this goodness is served on a toasted homemade in-house 12” sub roll embedded with sesame seeds on both sides. Incredible . . . more than enough to share! The subs are served with a side of warm potato chips (again homemade).

As I was reading the menu, I found a list of homemade sauces for their wings and subs. I ordered a side of the chili lime sauce. Wow – this excellent pureed tomato based sauce bursting with chilies, limejuice and bits of onion was the perfect dipping sauce for the potato chips. Yumm!

The very friendly staff is full of suggestions and eager to assist. As it states in Guida’s menu, “These subs are for serious eaters!” I agree.

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

http://guidaspizzeria.com

$
++++
✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

Sunday, October 22, 2006

LUND'S DELI - Minneapolis (various metro locations)

Lund's Markets have amazing deli's featuring some of the finest selections for "meals to go." There are days when looking at a menu is not the answer. The Deli is the perfect solution for those times when you want to spend an evening at home with your favorite book or …

For my relaxing evening at home, I stopped at their Uptown location where I found something for most appetites. If you want to sample one of the many selections, just ask. With Kevin’s help, I selected the Tuscan Steak, seasoned with a dry rub & perfectly grilled leaving a pink center. It was so tender; I cut it with my fork. The selected side was the Roasted Chick Pea Salad. I never knew you could roast chickpeas. They had a nutty texture that went well with the steak. The salad seasoned with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil was deliciously different!

As you leave the deli, you will walk by their olive bar featuring no less than 8 different olive selections. Pack a container of your favorites for the ride home.

The Chocolate Dome for dessert was a light puff of chocolate cake. The hidden layer of chocolate mousse was a wonderful surprise. This delicate dome was covered in a thin blanket of dark chocolate frosting. The base of the dome had a ring of chocolate covered “crispies.”

Mmm, Mmm…


www.lundsmarket.com

$
++++
✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”