The Village Delicatessen

CLOSED

Downtown Redding has the largest concentration of independent restaurants in the city. Sure, navigating Downtown Redding can be frustrating. The one-way streets are confusing. The train blocks traffic. The parking is limited. However, it is well worth the effort. The dining choices are numerous, the selection is varied, and the cuisine promising. Craving a sandwich, homemade soup, or a salad for lunch? I have a suggestion. Have you eaten at The Village Delicatessen at 1300 Market Street?

Redding's Best East Coast Style Deli

From the skyline on the sign to the liverwurst, the concept is East Coast style deli. The restaurant is longer than wide, with tables in the front, and a bar counter and stools along one wall. The glass front deli counter is in the back. Framed, black and white posters of city life finish the effect. One glance at the menu confirms that Village Deli is bringing an established, yet novel, taste to dining in Redding. Offerings like pork roast, corned beef, and pastrami are familiar enough. But add mortadella, sauerkraut, and prosciutto, and this is not California cuisine. Along with the made to order sandwiches and greens salads, composed salads, daily soups, and baked desserts are made in house in anticipation of the day. Think old world fast food. 

The Ladies at the Counter

  

The Village Deli caters to the traditional and inventive sandwich eater. Sandwiches can be ordered from a menu of signature combinations, such as The Italian, Poor Boy and Reuben. Or, sandwiches can be customized from a wide variety of bread, meat, cheese, vegetables and condiments. Along with an assortment of meats, vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful. Astronomic moxie is the limiting factor. I ordered The Club sandwich, a cup of Chicken and Rice Soup and a Cappuccino. I substituted whole wheat bread for the classic white on the menu. 

Culinary Babe's Club Sandwich

My sandwich was a tasty combination. The bacon was crispy. The tomatoes and lettuce were fresh. The turkey was piled high, as promised. The crunchy pickle was an unexpected treat.  I love bread. My favorite is moist and briefly chewy with a crust. Village Deli gets their bread delivered from Maggiora Baking Co., in Richmond, CA. While the bread was good, it was not outstanding. Possibly, I should have stayed with the recommended classic white bread. My cup of Chicken and Rice Soup was literally a mug of soup. It was flavorful, not too salty.
The owner composes a different, seasonal Soup of the Day, every morning. 

Cup of Soup in a Coffee Mug

Flexibility and choice are the defining chartists of dining at Village Deli. Food can be eaten there or ordered as take out. Delivery is offered Monday -Friday from 11am to 1pm. Custom sandwiches come is three sizes, depending on the weight of the cheese and meat. Signature sandwiches and salads come in half and whole sizes. For those of us with midnight cravings, deli meats and cheese are available for purchase by the pound. Larger quantities of side salads, such as Cole Slaw and Tortellini, can be special ordered. As the deli opens most days at 10am, a Breakfast Sandwich is available and offered all day. I was pleased to see espresso drinks on the menu with the usual coffee, tea, and soda: fountain and bottled. 

The Deli Case

Adding to the city ambiance, the balustraded patio offers bistro tables with the consistent Market Street traffic as a backdrop. While the downtown energy is invigorating, parking can sometimes involve a bit a strategy. Market Street, where it funnels past Village Delicatessen, is three-lane, one-way, and busy. Fortunately, it is located on the right side. If there is no on street parking, turn right and, on the left, is plentiful parking in the Downtown Promenade garage. It is not much further that walking across a parking lot, and so much more cosmopolitan.

My Lunch with Marilyn

The Village Delicatessen is open Monday-Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. Closed Sunday. The generously proportioned Large sandwiches average $9.99 and are sized to share. Or, take the left-over home, for some excellent noshing later. Salads, soup, and small sandwiches are mostly below $6. Cash is always welcome along with credit and ATM cards for amounts over $5. Personal checks are not accepted at this time.