We Crown a Turkey Sandwich National Champion

As I get ready to announce this year’s Turkey Sandwich National Champion, the clock is close to 12 o’clock Noon.  That means lunch time.  And for me, that means hunger.

Our Turkey Sandwich National Championship pits Mendelson’s Delicatessen of Denver, CO vs. The Gristmill of New Braunfels, TX.  This is going to be one hell of a match-up.  The quaint restuarant on the banks of the Guadalupe River vs. the Downtown Denver Lunch-Stop with Triple Deckers.

Let’s get to it:

Mendelson’s gets uber respect because they are a Boar’s Head Deli.  But yet in the National Semifinal, that alone wasn’t enough for Lori’s (also a Boar’s Head Deli) to take down The Gristmill.  The Gristmill thrives on simplicity: top quality Turkey on wheat bun with a special sauce that will knock your socks off.  No fancy shit going here.  Just a straight forward Turkey Sandwich.

After hours of deliberation and arguments (furniture was thrown), our panel of judged have emerged with a champion: Mendelson’s.  As the Head Honcho of this panel of judges, it came down to selection.  Mendelson’s offers a variety of Turkey: Salsalito, Pastrami Seasoned, Smoked, Roasted, etc.  That was just too much for the Gristmill to contend with.

By no means does this take anything from a very “game” Turkey Sandwich from The Gristmill.  They are a champion in their own right, just not of this tournament.

Turkey Sandwich Madness – The Final Four

Unlike the Men’s Basketball Final Four, we’re going to have some battle royales in the Turkey Sandwich Final Four.

In our first National Semifinal, we have Mendelson’s of Denver, CO taking on Pat’s Philly Cheesesteaks also of Denver, CO.

The Tale of the Tape

• Mendelson’s is a Boar’s Head Deli, Pat’s uses REAL (not processed Turkey) – PUSH
• Mendelson’s has at least 4 styles of Turkey, Pat’s has two Turkey Sandwiches – Advantage Mendelson’s
• Mendelson’s has triple decker Turkey Sandwiches, Pat’s has a sandwich that is as long as my arm – PUSH
• Parking at Mendelson’s is a pain in the ass, parking at Pat’s (downtown) is a pain in the ass – PUSH

In the end, Mendelson’s noses out Pat’s because of their Turkey Sandwich selection.  Pat’s is a strong competitor, but Mendelson’s goes to the final.

In our second National Semifinal, Lori’s Boars Head Deli of Evergreen, CO takes on The Gristmill of New Braunfels, TX.

Tale of the Tape

• Lori’s is a Boar’s Head deli, Gristmill has kickass Turkey too – PUSH
• Lori’s has a really good deli mustard, Gristmill has prime sauce – Advantage Gristmill
• Lori’s is at a gas station, Gristmill is an old mill on the Guadalupe River – Advantage Gristmill

All of the Turkey Sandwich prognoticators were picking an all Boar’s Head Deli match-up in the finals, but in a huge upset, The Gristmill has defeated Lori’s.

That sets up a Championship of Mendelson’s vs. The Gristmill.  Colorado vs. Texas.  Wow.

Mendelson’s is Here to Please

I had a meeting in Downtown Denver yesterday morning, which presented the perfect opportunity to stop by Mendelson’s for Turkey Sandwich.

One of the things I like about Mendelson’s is that they sent me an email talking shit about Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli.  I respect a delicatessen that isn’t afraid to talk shit about its competition.

As I started to order my Turkey Sandwich, I asked if I could make a special request.  Now, I’m not going to tell you assholes what my special request was, because I don’t need you making the same request and backing up the line.

The response to my special request was “we don’t really do that…but what do you want?”  i told them, and the guy said, “Yeah, I can do that.  We’re here to please.”  And they prepared my sandwich as I requested.

And damn, was it good.  It was a Pastrami seasoned Turkey Sandwich with Pepperjack Cheese.  And let me tell you – that is a magical combination.

[tags]turkey sandwich, report, neal stewart, mendelson’s, denver[/tags]

There Ain’t No Deli Like a Boar’s Head Deli, Cuz a Boar’s Head Deli…

…knows how to make a mean sandwich.

I love those neon Boar’s Head signs.  There is no better sight than a deli window showing that they proudly serve Boar’s Meats (and cheeses).

I simply can’t believe that I have been in Denver for almost two years and I had never been to Mendelson’s on 17th Street.  This place is THE SHIT.

First of all, they are a legitimate New York deli and pile a shitload of meat on their sandwiches.  Second, they have a toaster.  Nothing hacks me off more than when a place tells me that they don’t have a fucking toaster.  Mendelson’s does and all is well with the world.  Third, they have a great menu.  I was seriously put to task when I had to figure out which one of their appetizing sandwiches I had to order.

I ended up going with a sandwich called the “Jones Beach” which was Turkey, Ham and Swiss and Honey Mustard.  I chose Rye for my bread.  Damn, that was a good sandwich.

So, my new thing is New York Delis.  And the real ones.  Not that fake bullshit that Heidi’s throws out there.  I am on a mission to go to more New York Delis.