The Vitals:
the spot: Giovanni’s Deli 4309 Landis Ave Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
the eats: Sopresatta Special, build your own combo(the Ali)
the bucks: $8-$12
the full nelson: my fav Italian American deli on the South Jersey Shore
I’ve been coming to Giovanni’s Deli for the last 5 summers, pretty much every time I’m down at the Jersey Shore. I have my in-laws, who hail from the Philly area, to thank for making me a Giovanni’s Deli regular. This is a deli that just feels like home. A home away from home built on cured meats and killer hoagie rolls. Now let’s talk about what you need to order . . .
In your face Firehouse Subs, Giovanni’s has got your look BEAT with hardcore Italian American and Philly sports imagery. Yes that’s an Eagles flag raised up next to the flag of Italy. If it wasn’t for the Eagles flag, this spot could pass for a location for The Sopranos, but that’s alright, that show is in the rearview anyways.
My most recent sandwich foray was the Sopresatta special. The coarse ground cured sausage has long been a fav of mine, I mean look at those huge specs of fat. Add to that some roasted red peppers and mozzarella and you’re in Italian American sandwich heaven. For me, when it comes to cured meats, I don’t go the lettuce, tomato route too often. I am looking for antipasti on bread. And mission accomplished.
This bad boy was a build your own combo from the mind of Ali Khan. Sopresatta, Mortadella and Prosciutto are my meaty triple threat. From there I went with a sharp provolone, long hots for heat and light lettuce and onion for some crunch and punch. Oil and vinegar this hoagie and you have one epic sandwich.
Previous visits have included Roast Pork sandwiches here and I have high hopes for their Meatball and Chicken Parm. But alas I only have one stomach and one week at Giovanni’s Deli. You know you found a good spot when the only regret is not being able to eat everything off the menu. Just like Defonte’s from Cheap Eats Brooklyn, Giovanni’s is a deli ringer.
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