Delis
Not only is Attman's a local institution, but writing that Attman's is a local institution is a local institution. So just go already. Wiggle your way along the famously long and bustling counter to order up top-notch New York-style deli sandwiches (be sure to know what you want--it's usually busy back there). The corned beef, pastrami, and brisket are always good, but there's a sandwich for every occasion on the voluminous wall-mounted menu, in addition to the renowned bologna-wrapped jumbo kosher dog.
For nearly a century serving as a one-stop shop for any and all of one's Italian culinary needs, Di Pasquale's boasts a vast selection of deli and cured meats, cheeses, pasta, imported non-perishables, wines, and liqueurs. The prepared food case is dazzling, and there is even a dining area between the brick oven and the small fresh produce section. The lunch menu lists the expected sandwiches, sometimes using unexpected meats, but also offers more substantial entrée and pasta options all homemade, reasonably priced, and delicious.
This new Mount Washington spot sorta looks like someone's mom set it up--bright paint on the walls, aggressively colorful art, nice lighting--but if so, mom sure knows from old-school deli counter goodness, complete with serious corned beef and pastrami. Plus tongue. Tongue!
There are a few of these little sandwich/subs/fries delis in and around Mount Vernon, and finding one that actually stands out from the pack was quite a surprise. It's probably not as "gourmet" as its name suggests, but it's got some out of the ordinary, creative choices on the menu, from the veggie castle sandwich to the chicken Aurora wrap to gut-busting platters like hot roast beef and jumbo shrimp. The menu here is massive--if you can think of a sandwich combination it's probably on it with a goofy name. And the french fries are outstanding.
The neighborhood is dreary, the hours odd (Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) The store is cramped. They pack groceries in a cardboard box. But they make panini sandwiches the size of your head, with crusty bread, high-quality meats and cheeses, and dressings that blend together to create multi-dimensional flavor. For over 100 years, the family owned Italian-American grocery has been selling bulk products at bargain prices. Cheese, olives, and cookies come by the pound. All sorts of pasta, homemade sauces, and olive oils make you forget about the Prego.
Price Point (3/3/2010)
EAT: City Paper's annual dining guide
Central (3/3/2010)
Harbor Area (3/3/2010)
812 Park Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 523-2300
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