A meatloaf sandwich story

Urban Deli's very popular "comfort food," the much-ordered meatloaf sandwich.

Our menu consists of an array of deli sandwiches and that can make it hard for new customers to choose. After working a few shifts at Urban Deli, I noticed how many of our customers were ordering and raving about our meatloaf sandwich.

One busy summer afternoon, my parents drove from St. Andrews and visited the deli for the first time. I spoiled them with samples of our homemade ice-tea and lemonade (the lemonade is only during our summer season) and I encouraged them to order as much as possible.

My dad wanted to try our schnitzel and my mom right away asked for the meatloaf sandwich. To tell you the truth, I underestimated this deli delight. When her order arrived she made me taste a bite and with one forkful, I was hooked.

From then on I have been recommending this hearty sandwich to many of our customers. It is the comfort food to beat all comfort foods. It consists of a home-style meatloaf with an Urban Deli flare and is topped with melted aged-white cheddar cheese and sundried tomatoes. We serve it with sourdough bread that has been grilled and your choice of side.

The meatloaf sandwich guys: Carl, Ron, Craig and Doug.

Shortly after tasting the sandwich, I had a group of customers that came in for lunch during their break. They told me it was their first time and asked me for my recommendation. From that day on, they have been faithful regulars to Urban Deli … and the meatloaf sandwich as well.

Carl, Ron and Craig were in again last Friday and guess what? They ordered their usual (meatloaf with a side of deli frites) and brought a new face with them, Doug. I had to laugh because every time the guys come in they always order the same thing and they convinced Doug to do the same.

Welcome Doug! And thanks to all our Urban Deli regulars.

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A little something about service

Herb Duncan had a very nice column in yesterday’s Telegraph-Journal titled “From the deli: don’t risk it with the brisket.” Brisket? Yes, he was talking about Urban Deli:

“There is a rather simple but critically important message to this small business story: Listen to your customers, work hard to keep costs down, look for opportunities to improve your product and services through best practices.”

Yes, indeed.

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Note about today – our doors close early

We have a quick note about today … Our last seating is at 6:30pm and our doors close at 7:00pm to get ready for tonight’s function: an evening with local photographer Beaver Smith and Uptown Saint John captured through his lens.

We still have tickets available and they can be purchased at the door. We’re looking forward to an amazing night!

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Chef Bob talks about his cooking class – Creole Jambalaya

Coming up on Sunday we have another cooking class with Bob McVicar (aka Chef Bob). If you would like to join us, give us a call at the Urban Deli: 652.3354. If you would like to know more, have a look at our post, Creole jambalaya. Or you can just let Bob tell you about it himself:

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One last thing: For those who have signed up to our newsletter, we are giving away tickets from the Saint John Theatre Company to their November 25th show: The Importance of Being Earnest. If you haven’t signed up yet, you still can subscribe and have a chance at winning. Just visit our newsletter page and subscribe.

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Creole Jambalaya – cooking class at the Urban Deli

Creole Jambalaya - photo: laaloosh.comWe did it a few months ago; we’re doing it again – a cooking class coming up on a Sunday – November 21, 1:00pm to 3:00pm –  with ‘Chef Bob.’ That’s Saint John’s Bob McVicar. The subject of the class? Creole jambalaya!

Traditionally, jambalaya is put together in three main parts involving meats and vegetables, and there are two main types of jambalaya: Creole and Cajun.

There are likely many more, because cooks love variations. We understand that Chef Bob has a Creole jambalaya  in mind for us on November 21. If you’re the curious kind, you can read more about jambalaya and its history.

The class at the Urban Deli will be ‘reserved seating only.’ There is a cost — $25 — to help offset some of our costs. But we’ve tried to keep it as minimal as possible. And we ask that you bring your own “to-go” container so you can take away your own sample of the finished dish.

Of course, you’ll also learn how to make this jambalaya and take home a copy of Bob’s recipe.

This should be a lot of fun. If you get thirsty, beverages will be available for purchase: beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

If you’re interested in what promises to be a flavorsome and entertaining afternoon, just give us a call at the Urban Deli: 652.3354.

The details one more time:

Cooking class at the Urban Deli
Creole jambalaya with Bob McVicar
Sunday, November 21, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Cost: $25

We hope you can join us!

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Picture this — Our Uptown like you’ve never seen it

We have a big night coming up at the Urban Deli: Uptown Saint John Captured Through the Lens of Beaver Smith.

A great friend of the Deli, Beaver Smith is the talent behind bigdayfoto, wedding photographers, a man with a great eye for incredible shots.

He’s recently had that creative eye set on our own Uptown and the Urban Deli is going to host an exhibition of his work. You haven’t see Uptown Saint John until you’ve seen it through Beaver’s eye! We think you’ll find the pictures fascinating.

Prints taken by Beaver will be unveiled at the Urban Deli the night of Saturday, November 20th. They’ll be available for viewing and purchasing and the event will include a variety of complimentary (and savoury!) hors d’oeuvres. There will also be a cash bar.

The Details:

  • Date: Saturday, November 20th, 2010
  • Time: 8:00pm to 9:30pm
  • Tickets: $20 each

We have the event posted here on Facebook. As for getting tickets? They’re available at the Urban Deli or give us a call at 506.652.DELI (3354).

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Chop Chop “Feast”ival for Foodies

Join us for a variety of Deli-styled Italian dishes which will be available for customers from November 1st to November 6th. Please call us at 506.652.3354 to make reservations for this event.

During our lunch hour, we will be presenting  an Italian pasta special ($12 plus tax) with the option of bruschetta or soup as an appetizer. Customers have the choice of a traditional Italian bolognese sauce or a creamy parmesan sauce which consists of pesto, sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers and spinach.

For the evening Chop Chop foodies, reservations can be made for a three course dinner for two ($30 plus tax). The three course dinner consists of bruschetta or soup to start and is followed by the pasta special. This will be finished off with a home-made dulce de leche meringa con gelato e cioccolato (ice-cream meringue topped with dulce de leche and chocolate sauce) dessert for sharing.

We look forward to seeing you during this eventful week!

Chef Andrew Brewer

Chef Andrew Brewer

Click HERE for the Chop Chop Chef Profile on Andrew Brewer

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