Appetizing Muse

This afternoon Wilbert and I ordered take out from a new delicatessen near our home. The Francis Street Deli opened last October, but today was our first time entering the establishment. The place is rather small, but clean and fresh with painted checkered tile and large windows which look out onto Francis Street in Spokane. We went early at eleven o'clock, so we were the first walk-in customers. A boom box in the corner played old fifties tunes, and the owner of the deli was behind the counter prepping the various sandwich condiments.

The Francis Street Deli offers original east coast style subs, specialty sandwiches, sides, grilled melts, burgers and sausages, homemade soups and chili, Chicago-style dogs and party salad trays. I wondered what made the deli different from other sandwich shops, but as the owner told us: "This ain't no Subway!"

Wilbert and I ordered the "Gobbler" sandwich, which included turkey breast, avocado, Swiss cheese, bacon, sprouts and mayonnaise. My husband had his on a sub roll, while I opted for white bread. The ingredients were fresh and generous (no skimping, and none of the lettuce filler often found in many other shops). Each sandwich cost about $5.95, but were so large I couldn't even get my mouth around one to get a bite. I ended up having to eat mine sideways in a fashion, and had enough left over for another meal. Even Wilbert couldn't finish his sub roll, which is highly unusual for him in any case.

We decided to order a side of French fries, and were pleasantly surprised to find the side to be of mammoth proportion. The fries were freshly prepared, at least 1/2" thick with the skin left on one of the four sides. The owner sprinkled a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese over the fires, and then blended them in a large aluminum bowl before placing a portion in our container to-go.

Of course, we had to get an order for Foofer. The deli owner piled generous amounts of sliced turkey breast and ham in a separate container, only charging us half the price of a regular sandwich. Once home, the meat was enough to fill Foofer's dinner bowl twice over. Needless to say, Foofer was one happy camper. Afterward, he licked his chops, had a large drink of water, and then rolled on his back on my bed – finally stopping with his paws in the air for a short snooze.

Other specialty sandwiches at the Francis Street Deli include the Classic Club, The Boss (rye bread with roast beef, avocado, bacon, Swiss cheese, sprouts and mayo), French Dip, Swiss French Dip, Hot Pastrami & Swiss, BLT's, Philly Cheese Steak and German Sausage. Of course, one can ask for other ingredients to preference, and the sandwich-maker is only to happy to oblige.

The deli owner told us he had recruited several friends to help build the establishment, taking their time over several months before getting it just the way he wanted: small, homey and aromatically inviting. If ever you find yourself in the Spokane area – on the North side specifically – the Francis Street Deli is one place you'll want to take the time to investigate. The deli boasts fresh ingredients, no fillers, large and tantalizingly mouth-watering portions and a clean and friendly atmosphere.

What more could one ask for?