Burgers, Dogs, & Pizza, Oh My!

Archive for the ‘Deli’ Category

Some weeks ago, I wrote about an Italian deli I stumbled on in suburban Chicago. Nottoli’s has a great selection of house-made sausages, pastas and an ample selection of imported Italian canned and box goods.

This week I hit Felicia’s, an Italian-centric meat market and deli in Schaumburg.

Felicia’s is smaller in size than Nottoli’s, but there’s no shortage of quality goodies.

The store has two narrow aisles as you walk in, on the right are freezer cases of pre-made frozen meals for two, as well as home-made soups. Lining the other side of the right hand aisle are canned tomatoes, sauces, and pasta.

As you round the bend at the back of the store, you’ll come to the deli case, well-staffed and able to take care of a crush of customers simultaneously. In addition to house-made meats, like Italian sausage, franks, and meatballs, they also carry Boar’s Head brand deli meats, a wide assortment of cheese and house-made salads, like buffalo/tomato and cold pastas.

I scored some hot Italian rope sausage and meatballs.  The sausage is very flavorful and has a little heat. The meatballs are dense (the way I like them, not all crumbly) and only lightly seasoned.  When I make them at home, I’ve been accused of using too much fennel.  But hey, I’m at the stove, not you!

Felicia’s will make you sandwiches to go, on demand, and also do catering. Both menus are shown below.

Nice people, knowledgeable, helpful, quality goods.  I like.  Most everything I purchased I thought was a good value.

Felicia’s opens daily at 8AM, til 6PM Monday – Friday, 5 PM Satuday, and 2 PM Sunday.  Map follows at the bottom of the post.

 

 

 

 

Felicias Meat Market and Deli Review

 I love country style cured ham. Dry aged for months and months, salty, flavorful, still tastes like an animal instead of some heavily processed, brine injected, flavored pink stuff.

I quizzed Chowhound folks ahead of time to see where I might score some good Kentucky Country Ham in Louisville, and got lots of great suggestions where I could get it to nosh on or get a big ‘un to go.

I ended up at one of the top suggestions for sandwiches, Morris Liquor and Deli, a small liquor store in the center of the city with a deli counter. You walk up to the counter and select your bread, meat, cheese and condiments; sandwiches are sold by weight, and I can’t tell you what the price per pound is, but I can tell you I paid $13 for two sandwiches, two sodas and a bag of chips, which seemed quite reasonable to me.

I went with country ham on dark rye with provolone and yellow mustard. Also got a corned beef with Swiss on pumpernickel with German mustard. Both with superb. I would have bought sliced ham by the pound there ($16) but I knew I would be hitting a couple of groceries in search of a big chunk later, which I did.

This is a really excellent sandwich place, mostly take-out, a few tables inside and outside, great liquor selection as well as liquor mixers and such. Parking and entry/exit is a little dicey, but it’s worth taking your life in your hands for this country ham. Truly.

 

Morris Liquors and Deli Review

“to buy a pickle…”   so goes an old ditty my dad used to break into spontaneously on occasion.  I love most pickles, really love them.  I love kosher dills, half sours, hamburger dills….most anything but sweet relish and bread and butter. IxNay on those.  I’m not quite old enough to remember pickle “barrels” but I am old enough to remember pickle “jars” at corner groceries and at the movie theater concession stand. Don’t remember how much they cost – more than a nickle, but certainly less than a quarter.

Today’s version of the ‘pickle barrel’ can be found in C-stores and gas station, with individually wrapped pickles.  There’s one brand that has different (ample) sizes, and different heats, and yesterday I ran into a new brand (to me), “Oh, Snap!” Dilly Bites brand, made by GLK Foods, from upstate Wisconsin.  They were priced at 75 cents each, you could get a whole pickle or “chips” (slices).  Unlike the other brand I referred to, where you have to be careful to negotiate  your way around the amount of brine in the package, GLK calls theirs “brineless,” and they aren’t actually, they just have a very small amount of liquid in the package. I opted for the “sliced” variety, and the package boasts that they are “Super Crunchy.”

Got to say I really enjoyed them and will be a regular customer.  By the way, GLK claims to be the largest manufacturer of sauerkraut in America.

 

oh snap pickles review

An affinity for all things butchered and old world sausage making brought together the principals that started StoneRidge Meat and Country Market, now known as StoneRidge Piggly Wiggly.

Located in mid-Wisconsin, thirty minutes west of the Fox River Valley, the market serves grocery shoppers and sausage aficionados from a wide radius. Why sausage lovers? StoneRidge has built a superb in-house meat department, specializing in a wide variety of cured, uncured, and flavored meats, and are particularly known for their dozens of bratwurst flavors.

StoneRidge produces a widely-enjoyed meat snack sticks, also made in flavors, including original, pepperjack, habanero, honey BBQ, teriyaki and more. I tried out their .Bacon and Cheddar variety.

I think that a Philadelphia entrepreneur, Adolph Levis, who had built a business selling specialty foods to bars and delis, is credited with ‘inventing’ the beef snack stick in the 1940s, though I believe it was probably inspired by the German snack “Landjager.” Levis thought America was in need of a portable, ready-to-eat version of sausage.

There are certainly companies much larger than StoneRidge that make beef sticks, but probably none that produce a product of this quality. The “big guys” tend to have “mechanically separated poultry” as a prime ingredient, but in the StoneRidge variety, you’ll find beef, pork, and flavor seasonings. Period.

What I liked about the StoneRidge product is the distinct flavoring, a coarser grind than most competitors, meaning there’s no doubt in your mind this is a real meat product.

There are a lot of other reasons to enjoy StoneRidge snack sticks:

• They are extremely portable – take hiking, camping, tailgating,   have in your office drawer, or the kid’s school lunches.
• They are a high protein, low carb snack.
• They are gluten-free.
• Ounce for ounce, they are one-third the price of beef jerky.

Great taste. Good value. Get yours at your local grocer, or browse the online catalog and order direct from StoneRidge.  While you’re waiting for your package of deliciousness to arrive, follow StoneRidge on Twitter and Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

StoneRidge Meat Snack Sticks Review

Originated by immigrants in New Orleans, the muffaletta is a large sandwich on a round loaf, with salami, mortadella, ham, mozzarella, and olive salad.

Tho the recipe for the ‘salad’ can vary, it is generally made up of diced olives, celery, cauliflower, carrots, oregano and garlic, marinaded in olive oil.

It was designed to be a “full meal” working man’s lunch.

By any account I’ve ever heard or read, the  sandwich originated at Central Grocery, which is still in business, and still peddling the sandwiches to long lines of tourists in the French Market area.  They are sold in halves (around $9.00) and whole (around $18.00).  A quarter of a sandwich is an ample enough serving for most folks. Central is also a great place to buy imported Italian foodstuffs.

Locals all have their favorites at different locations around town, with many votes going to the ones at the Napoleon House in the Quarter.  Some think the sandwich should be served warm, some say cold.  There are also different ways to spell it.

I’ve enjoyed them all over the city, and personally, I like the ones at Cooter Brown’s, a college bar at the end of the St. Charles streetcar line. Cooter’s has 400 different beers in bottles, and 40 on tap, plus some of the least expensive oysters in town.  I’ve included their full food menu here.  Cooter’s is strictly self-serve, at the bar, for oysters, and food.  No servers.

The reason I like the Cooter’s muff is they are more generous than most with the fillings, and their olive salad is more “olive-y.”

Last week, I had a half at Central Grocery, and a half at Cooters.  Both were delicious!  (I got the fries at Cooters – in many parts of the country, this style is called “cottage fries).”

Muffaletta Sandwich Review

George’s is a friendly bar and grill, located on the northeast side of Indianapolis, just off the 465.  The feature a large selection of craft beers, and an amped up menu of bar fare, including appys, pastas, salads, sandwiches, entrees, pizza, and desserts. Something for everyone.  Check out the loaded waffle fries for a different appetizer experience, with crumbled bacon, sour cream, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and scallions.

One of our at-large reporters, Southside Bob, stopped in to George’s for a slice of Coconut Cream Pie and reported it superb. Over a dozen beers on tap, including domestic, craft, and imports, some rotating regularly.

Open daily at 11 AM. George’s complete menu, and directions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George’s Review

I was flying home from FCO, stopped at ORD and taxied out to a suburban airport to hook up with a friend, and bum a ride on his plane back to Santa Barbara. He was held up with a ground stop at TEB, so I was gonna have a couple of hours to kill.  Luckily, there was a bar and restaurant at the airstrip.  I didn’t even know the airport was there, despite the fact I used to live nearby. Seems more like it’s for personal aircraft, I didn’t see many corporate-sized planes on the tie downs.  There’s a flight school and heliport, as well.

The restaurant overlooks the runway, and it’s called Pilot Pete’s.   It has an aviation theme (surprise!) with large scale model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, airline seats in the waiting area, and other general air knick-knacks as decorations.

I admire the owner/manager, this place has a very long menu, seemingly no pre-prepared dishes, as well as daily specials. It has to be a chore to keep everything running smoothly. The waitstaff is clad in shirts that say “Flight Crew,” and the couple I talked to said they’d worked there for years and wouldn’t work anyplace else.

Although this place is apparently known for its version of the hundred dollar hamburger, I was in the mood for something a little different, and surprise, I over ordered.  Started with an amazing “Fall Salad”, which crisp greens, blueberry, chicken and damn near a half pound of feta.  Salad came with soup, and I opted for French Onion, piping hot, flavorful, with the traditional baked cheese/crouton cap.

Launched into the restaurant’s version of a Cuban, which the menu says is an homage to the one prepared by Treasure Island in Tampa.  Pete’s strayed a little bit by adding mayo, tomato, and lettuce, which didn’t take away from the quality meats and cheese, which were amply packed between  pressed  halves of a garlic Cuban baguette.

The only downside to the meal were the accompanying fries, which were the extruded type, good flavoring and seasoning, just not a personal favorite. Overall, it was a terrific meal with portion sizes that could easily have served three.   Sandwich, soup, salad, cocktail, $40 including tip.

Here’s the menu.   (Update, October 2015).  Had their “hundred dollar burger” and onion blossom.  I added Asiago and onion straws to the 10 oz medium rare patty. Excellent. Pics down below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pilot Petes Restaurant Review

I’ve looked at a lot of deli meats lately and written them up – the quality and prices cover the full spectrum.  Not surprisingly, I tend to prefer the more expensive meats, the low cost ones have a texture I find unpalatable.  But that’s just me. The smaller manufacturers seemed to have not lost their way on how to make a great product, and you can pretty much pass on anything by Hormel, Sara Lee, or Wal Mart’s house brand.

Prosciutto is defined as a dry-cured ham that is usually thinly sliced and served uncooked; this style is called prosciutto crudo in Italian and is distinguished from smoked ham, prosciutto affumicato.  And I love it.  And it’s “cousin” across the continent, Spain’s Jamon Serrrano.

Volpi Foods, in the “Hill” neighborhood (an area settled by Italian immigrants)  of St. Louis, (factory pictures below) started in 1902 by a Milanese immigrant who had learned curing meats from relatives in Italy. The tradition has continued, and the family owned business now makes a variety of Italian meats that you can buy at your grocer or direct, online.

Prosciutto adds a smoky, salty flavor when incorporated in dishes, but it’s often served ‘as is’ as a starter;  you may have seen it in restaurants offered as wrapped around a slice of melon.

Any way you choose to consume it, prosciutto is a delightful pork product, and I find Volpi’s version a really excellent choice.  It has a buttery, melt in your mouth quality. Not sure of the full retail price, it was on sale at my local grocer for about $8 a pound, and that’s a bargain.

If you’re in St. Louis, visit the neighborhood called “the Hill,” where there are lots of great shops and restaurants serving old world classics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volpi Prosciutto Review

Veteran’s Day is officially Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

2015 Free Meals

(These deals are at participating locations; strongly suggest you call ahead to double check and ask whether military ID is required!)

Applebee’s
At participating Applebee’s on 11-11-2015, Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu for Veteran’s Day. Provide proof of service required.

Bar Louie Free Lunch or Dinner
On Wed., Nov. 11th, 2015 every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value when they show valid military I.D. or other proof of service.

Buffalo Cafe Free Meal

Another place to eat free this Veterans Day is Buffalo’s Cafe, located in three US states.

California Pizza Kitchen Free Meal

Stop by a participating on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 to choose a pizza, full size salad, or pasta from the special Veterans Day Menu when you dine-in.

Carrabba’s Free Appetizer
All active and retired veterans receive a free appetizer at participating locations on Monday, November 9th through Sunday, November 15th.

Cattleman’s Free Steak Dinner

Active, inactive, and retired military personnel can come into Cattlemens and get a free Small Sirloin Steak Dinner on Veterans Day.

Chili’s Free Meal

From special Vet’s menu

City Barbeque
One free half pound sandwich platter will be given to each veteran for either dine-in or carryout orders on 11-11-2015. At participating locations only.

Cotton Patch Free Meal
Free meals to veterans of Veterans Day.  Choice between a chicken fried steak or chicken fried sandwich.

Denny’s Free Grand Slam

On Wednesday, November 11th, all active, inactive and retired military personnel at all participating Denny’s restaurants nationwide will receive a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast.

FATZ Cafe
FATZ Cafe salutes our Veterans and Active Military with a free entrée on Veterans Day. On Nov. 11 from 11 AM to close present your Military ID and enjoy a free world famous Calabash Chicken meal.

Fox & Hound Free Meal

Stop into a Fox & Hounds on Wednesday, November 11 for a free meal or beverage (up to a $10 value) for all veterans and active duty military.

Friendlys
Friendly’s is treating veterans and active military, with a valid military ID or honorable discharge card, to a free dine-in breakfast, lunch or dinner from select menus on Veteran’s Day, 11.11.15. The breakfast choice is their Big-Two-Do’s® array of breakfast options, and the lunch and dinner option is the All American Burger with fries and a beverage (soda, iced tea or hot beverage).

Golden Corral
On Wednesday November 11, 2015, Golden Corral offers a free sit-in “thank you” dinner for Military veterans, retirees, and active duty members.

Grub Burger Bar
Veterans, Retired Military, and Active Duty members with a military ID will receive 50% off of their meal, plus a free  Caramel Apple shake for Veterans day this year on Wed. 11/11/2015.

Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House Free Meal
Hoss’s is serving up their “American Value” meals absolutely free for veterans on Wed., Nov. 11th, from 11 A.M. to 9 P.M. Valid I.D. is required

JJs Red Hots All You Can Eat

Both locations of JJ’s Red Hots in North Carolina are letting active duty military and veterans enjoy a free all-you-can-eat special all day long on Wednesday, November 11.

This Veterans Day free meal consists of an unlimited supply of hot dogs, sausages, sides, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Max & Erma’s Free Cheeseburger Combo Meal with Dessert
On Veterans Day, participating Max & Erma’s locations are celebrating veterans and active military personnel with a free three course combo.

McCormick and Schmick’s Free Entree
On Sunday, November 8th, 2015 enjoy a complimentary entree. All veterans must show official verification. Entrees must be enjoyed at the restaurant.

Mission BBQ
Veterans and active-duty military will get a free sandwich after the National Anthem at noon on Veterans Day.

Longhorn Steakhouse Free App
Receive a complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and a non-alcoholic beverage on Nov. 11. Includes veterans and current service members.

Max & Ermas Free Meal

Free cheeseburger combo for dine in.

Mission BBQ Free Sandwiches

After a live performance of the National Anthem at noon on Veterans Day, November 11,Mission BBQ locations will be giving away free sandwiches to active-duty military and veterans.

MOD Pizza – Free pizza

In honor of Veterans Day, all MOD Pizza locations will be giving out free pizza or salad to veterans.

This free Veterans Day offer is valid on Wednesday, November 11 only

O’Charley’s Free Meal
On Monday, November 9th, all veterans and all active-duty military personnel will have their choice of one of nine meals on the O’Charley’s “$9.99er” menu. Options include O’Charley’s Famous Chicken Tenders & Twisted Chips, Cowboy Sirloin, Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie and Santa Fe Tilapia, among others.

Olive Garden Free Meal
On Wednesday, November 11, 2015 all veterans and military active duty will receive a free meal from a special menu including entrees, freshly baked garlic breadsticks and a choice of unlimited soup or salad.

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt

All veterans, retired and active-duty military personnel receive a free cup of froyo, up to 11 ounces, on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. To claim the offer, customers should provide proof of military service, such as a military ID card, uniform photo, honors, badges, or come dressed in their military uniform.

Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage
All active, retired military and veterans get a Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day. Must have valid identification. There is also a military discount of 15% off the total check from November 12th thru December 31st, 2015, valid for military members and their families.

Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse – free buffet from 4P til Closing on Vets day.

Primanti Bros.
Veterans and active duty military get a free sandwich from 4 PM to close on 11/11/15.

Red Lobster Free App
Service members past and present receive a complimentary appetizer or dessert from a special menu. Proof of service required. Valid Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12, 2015.

Red Robin Free Burger & Fries

Veterans and active duty military can stop into Red Robin on Tuesday, November 11 to get a free Red’s Tavern Double burger and Bottomless Steak Fries

Sammys Woodfired Pizza and Grill

On Wednesday, November 11, Woodfired Pizza & Grill is celebrating Veterans Day by offering veterans and active service members one of two free selections.

With a valid military ID, you have the choice between hummus served with grilled herb flatbread or garlic cheese bread.

Sheetz Free Sandwich

Sheetz convenience store locationswill be giving veterans and active military members a free lunch on Wednesday, November 11.

The Veterans Day free meal will include a 6 inch turkey sub and a fountain drink. 

Shoney’s Offers Free All-American Burger
Shoney’s says ‘Thank You’ to America’s heroes by offering a Shoney’s All-American Burger and fries to all Veterans and Active Duty Military members on Veterans Day, 11 November 2015.

Tijuana Flats
Veterans and active-duty military eat free on Veterans Day.

Tubby’s Free Sub

Veterans and active duty military members can get a free small Grilled Steak N’ Cheese or Tubby’s Famous Sub 

Village Inn Free Breakfast
All who have served get a free breakfast on Veterans Day. Choose between Buttermilk Pancakes, three slices of French Toast or a Belgian Waffle. Village Inn is also thanking veterans with a “Thank You for Your Service Card”, which is a 20% discount off the total bill for the next time they visit a Village Inn.

Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse – free buffet from 4P til Closing on Vets day.

Wienerschnitzel – Free chili dog and small Pepsi on Vets day.

 

More locations and benefits can be found at:

 http://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/#ixzz3pIcB8zhP

http://freebies.about.com/od/freefood/tp/veterans-day-free-meals.04.htm

Free Veterans Day Meals 2015

Plan your attack in advance.  Click on image for full size graphic.

 

 

 

 

 

Eataly Floor Plan