GRDine

Warning:  I’m about to gush like a 13 year-old girl after her first kiss.  Situated in Gaslight village right next to the high school, Ramona’s Table (http://www.ramonastable.com/) fashions itself as a boutique deli (and caterer) that uses in season produce whenever possible.  All of the food is made fresh and the owners certainly know what they’re doing.

The Ambiance

Stepping into the deli you’ll notice the floor plan provides a cozy feel that I would describe as somewhat trendy.  Because it is a deli, one wouldn’t reasonably expect a first rate atmosphere, but it was nice enough.  It has an outdoor seating area to the side of the building.

The Food

Whoa.  The day I was there it was fairly busy, and everyone I was speaking with about the food was absolutely raving about it.  When took my first bite of my McCallister I was taken on a roller-coaster ride of deliciousness.  The herb focaccia bread was amazing, and it blended perfectly with the turkey, ham, bacon, and swiss cheese.  My wife’s caprese sandwich was also good (I quick took a bite when she wasn’t looking), especially considering it has no meat.

The Summary

Truly, this deli rivals Cherry Street Deli as the best place in town to grab a sandwich.  I really think it’s a matter of time before this place becomes better known, but I guess you can never really tell with these things.  I realize the post sounds a little like an advertisement, but I don’t care:  its food is truly exceptional.  If I were to order catering, I would without a doubt pick this place since they pair with Martha’s Vineyard (Martha’s does the beverages).  -TM

In my first blog post I wrote about my experiences with Cherry Deli.  The place rocks!  I did have one complaint about their hours in general.  I was just informed that the hours on Saturday and Sunday have been adjusted!

Saturday 11am to 8pm & Sunday 11am to 4pm

I’d like to think GRDine made this happen!  Thanks Cherry Deli!  I will see you very soon…

-JD

See original post here: http://grdine.com/2009/06/19/grand-rapids-kingpin-deli-cherry-deli

I might as well start off with a debatable post revolving around Grand Rapid’s best deli.  Cherry Deli, located at 834 Cherry Street (http://www.cherrydeli.com), provides over 40 sandwiches named after Grand Rapids landmarks such as the Heritage Hill Veggie or my favorite the Blodgett with pastrami, capicola, salami, thick sliced fresh mozzarella grilled on Panini bread.  I hate to say it…it beats out Schnitz (which, by the way, is amazing as well).

You know you are dealing with a top notch establishment when the biggest conflict is whether or not to order a full sandwich.  To put it in perspective…the half sandwich is equivalent to a full, half pound sandwich at almost any other deli.  Also, the pricing is setup in such a way that a full sandwich costs about a buck more… Who am I kidding, I’ve never had this conflict, but I wouldn’t recommend this place for a snack. *Full sandwiches cost around $8 on average.

I do need to address one complaint.  Cherry Deli has hours that are conducive to lunch only.  If you are anything like me, you don’t get to dinner until around 8 o’clock.  The Deli closes at 7:30 Monday through Friday and 4 o’clock on Saturdays.  They aren’t open on Sundays!  Granted, most establishments in Grand Rapids are not open Sundays.

None-the-less, the food is incredible, the staff is friendly, and you will not be going home hungry! -JD