There Is A
Sandwich Heaven
BUON APPETIT DELI
36-12 Ditmars Blvd.
Astoria, 726-2794
CUISINE: Deli, Sandwiches, Hot
Buffet, Catering All Occasions
HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 7:30
a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Catering
PARKING: Street
CREDIT CARDS: All major
Neighborhood fare doesn’t get any
better than Buon Appetit Deli and Caterers with over 100 varieties of sandwiches, homemade
and imported specialties spiced up with friendly, small town flavor.
"The deli has been around for six
decades and is the oldest in Astoria," said John Morana, who has owned it for the
past 18 years. "It’s well-known in the area. My customers come from all
over—corporate accounts, airlines, fire and police departments, and correction
officers."
Not only did Morana boast about his
specialty sandwiches, but his customers and staff couldn’t stop talking about their
favorites.
Take Pancho, for instance.
He’s one of Morana’s countermen
who created a sandwich combo and named it after himself—The Pancho, made with chicken
cutlet, hot roasted peppers, lettuce and tomato, bacon, mayo, and melted mozzarella on a
hero or wrap.
By the way, for the more health conscious,
"It used to be 100% heroes, but now it’s over 40% wraps," said Morana,
"and I also have grilled veggies and chicken, and a vegetable-rice dish."
When customer Dr. Joan Jacobs overheard our
interview, she readily agreed. "It’s the best hero deli in Astoria. I’ve
been coming here for more than 10 years. He’s reliable, and the prices and quality
are the best."
Morana added, "My sandwiches are
guaranteed to feed two people. At $5 each, it’s a real bargain."
But, on a more serious note, the long-time
edibles expert and his professional staff made over 80 sandwiches and sent them to rescue
workers at the collapsed World Trade Center.
"We included our newest creation, said
Morana, ‘The Guiliano Hero,’(eggplant, fresh mozzarella and sharp provolone
cheese, sweet roasted peppers, pesto sauce with prosciutto on garlic bread. I hope he
knows about it."
Then Morana gave me one of his signature
potato croquettes to taste ($.75 ea).
With main ingredients like potato,
mozzarella cheese and ham, you can’t go wrong.
For an average size shop, there’s no
end to the variety
of imported Italian products, and home-made
daily specials that line the shelves and hot table.
And Morana’s explanation of how he
does it all, "It’s in the genes. I know the food business from inside out."
— Arlene Lewis |
