Katella Deli is always a good idea. The last time I had it was after a Jewish funeral, so was nice…read moreto be eating here for a happier occasion this time. I hadn't been inside since I was in my 20's, long before the remodel. It's beautiful and the deli expansion is phenomenal. I remember spending a special birthday in the garden room when I was a teenager, maybe 13? It's still there, but just been remodeled and leveled up to match the rest of the upgrades.
I ordered pickles immediately, that's a no brainer. I also knew that I wanted a sandwich, but there are so many yummy sandwiches on their menu, it was really difficult to choose. I almost got the Randee's Double Pleasure because I love both corned beef and pastrami, but wanted more than just meat on bread. So, I got The Special, a pastrami with coleslaw and swiss on rye bread. Wow, was this a good choice!! It was stacked with meat, just enough cheese and coleslaw to make the sandwich juicy and delicious. I saved half to eat later, and didn't finish it last night. I opened up the leftover box this morning, and the bread was a bit soggy and hard at the same time. So I got out the two pieces of rye I saved from the table bread, and made a new sandwich to eat for breakfast. No regrets!
Macaroni salad is my favorite and this one has pickles in it, bell peppers and celery from what I can tell. I know that seems sacrilegious when the potato salad is RIGHT THERE, but I have been craving it since my favorite local deli shut down a few months ago. I chuckled at carrot raisin salad being an option, something my family ate a lot in the 80s. I think we ate it here once and then replicated it at home for years and years. I lucked out and got my friend's side of potato salad to eat later, score!!
We stopped at the bakery before leaving. I got an eclair. I can't remember the last time I had an eclair, but it was yummy. I thought I got a pic of it before my phone died, but apparently not. I could have taken all day to decide what to get in here, there are so many yummy options in their bakery section. The crispy chocolate chip cookies are always a hit though. I wanted danishes, but reminded myself I was going to the gym this morning so skipped it! I ate half the eclair last night, and ate the other half at the movies today. I remember the carrot cake here being amazing, and next time I come I think I will have to get it. The have so many loaves of bread to choose from, carrot, zucchini, pumpkin, banana. I'm glad it's not down the street because I would be in trouble.
Our waitress was lovely, and accommodating. She came just at the right time when I was putting my leftover half of my sandwich in the box and didn't have anywhere to set it down. She was attentive without interrupting often, and was just generally very approachable and funny. Offered me another tea before we left, but I passed since I did not want that much caffeine at 5pm.
When I posted on my socials that I was here, I had said it's always a good idea to go to Katella Deli. I was pleased that several people replied and agreed. Another friend that moved up north wants to go with me next time she comes to visit. So cheers to Katella Deli for still being as good as I remember.