Flavor Quest: Perry’s Deli

I don’t know how this started, but once upon a time, Chris declaredthat he was on a “Flavor Quest” for lunch. And since then, this phrase has been invoked when one among us desiressomething a little special, a little out of the ordinary for lunch.

Today, the declaration was made and Ben told us of a place he hadheard of called Perry’s Deli. Right up the street, andthe sandwiches were a thing to behold.

And so we set off. On a flavor quest.

Perry’s Deli is located at 174 N. Franklin, almost right across the street from us.

We had heard of some lines out the door, but by the time we showed up (circa 1PM), things were pretty calm. We hadno trouble at all getting a table.

To fully explain this sign, let me cite some text from an article we found:

The signs paper almost every available flat surface in the deli, at 180 North Franklin Street. “What do you need to get on the phone for here?” Perry says, by way of explanation. “It’s so rude, and it negates everyone around you.” Still, every so often some fool tries his luck. Perry, a short, mustachioed man shaped almost exactly like a kaiser roll, gives phone offenders one warning; then he shows them the door.

“Sir! Sir!” Perry shouted once over the restaurant microphone. The customer talking on a cell phone put his finger in his ear and continued.

“Don’t put your finger in your ear!” Perry shouted, louder this time. “I’m talking to you, mister. You can’t use your cell phone in here!”

“I am a doctor,” the customer announced, indignantly.

“Excuuse me!” snapped Perry, blood rushing to his balding head. “I guess you’re better than all of us. You know what? Get the hell outta here!”

The doctor departed, and Perry’s customers rose in a round of applause for the man who makes the rules–and the food.

The sandwiches were MONSTERS! This is Chris’ order,the Smokey Burnstein.

Ben‘s Salami Sandwich.

I know this looks a bit gross, but by god this was the best pastrami sandwich I’ve had in a long while. Betterthan the one I had at Manny’s, I’d argue.

The words I uttered between blissful bites were: “This is everything I hoped it would be.”

I was severely tempted to order Fred McSchnauzer’s Cold Meat Loaf sandwich – just for the sheer name of it, butdecided instead on the pastrami sandwich. And let me tell you, I’m very, very happy I made that decision!

Bryan’s sandwich: the Ormond Street Special.