Tacos and enchiladas I'd expect at Scottsdale's Mercado del Rancho Center. Not a genuine New Yawk deli, yet there it is: Chompie's, founded a quarter-century ago by the Borenstein family from Queens.
Now, as you loyal readers know, Cornichon loves a good pickle and a good Reuben, and Chompies offers several on its mile-long menu of mile-high sandwiches. Ordered the variation called Bob's Brisket and glad I did: moist & tender braised beef, grilled red onions, coleslaw, 1000-island dressing, jack cheese, held together by properly grilled [not just toasted] rye. Juicy, with unexpected sweet flavors from the caramelized onions, and crunch from the coleslaw. Pickles crisp and garlicky, too.
Didn't need the side of gravy, or even the fries; Reuben alone well worth the $10.99. No surprise that Chompie's was voted best deli in the Phoenix area.
Chompie's, 9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 480-860-0475
Posted by Ronald Holden at January 29, 2006 12:13 AM