Pastranomy in Napa

Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes
#1

New lunch truck in the parking lot on the corner of Main and Clinton in downtown Napa called Pastranomy.
NY Style Deli. M-F 11:30-5:00 (new days and hours) was Tues-Sat. Get there early because they run out of popular items.

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Ordered the Pastrami on Rye and Reuben Balls.

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Pastrami was excellent.

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#2

Brian, have you eaten in a good New York deli, and if so how does the food compare?

#3

Sorry Lou, I have not been so lucky. Never been to NY. Best I have been able to do is Max’s Opera Cafe in SF or Walnut Creek. The way I understand it Pastranomy is owned by the same group as Max’s. If you are local perhaps you can be the judge for us. My sandwich was good, not great. I thought the Pastrami was excellent. I’ll try the Reuben or the Corned Beef next week.

Ikes Place just opened in Santa Rosa last month. I might give them a try tomorrow.

#4

What’s a Reuben Ball?

#5

Ask Mr. Blades…

I am guessing it is a ball of fried Swiss cheese with some Russian Dressing at the center.

#6

Pastrami, swiss and sauerkraut put through a grinder or food processor. Rolled into a ball and breaded with rye crumbs before being deep fried. Russian dressing on the side for dipping. Quite good.

#7

Lou,

I have several friends who live in NY that have come to visit me here in Napa. I’ve taken them to every deli we have, but not Pastranomy. So far, my NY friends have been neutral with their comments and told me I wouldn’t understand any criticism until I eat in a good NY deli.

Then again, they also love Cannolis and I don’t understand why.

#8

As long as it’s good. It’s not like there’s a great pastrami sandwich on every corner in Manhattan either. There are maybe 10, kinda like with pizza. And there’s #1 and then there’s everybody else. So if this doesn’t measure up to Katz’s it’s no crime as long as it’s good.

#9

Randy, do I have to bring you a NY cannoli on my next trip? [whistle.gif]

I wouldn’t waste my time eating NY ‘style’ deli in Napa. Goodness know what it taste like. [shock.gif]

#10

We’re cutting you off Hammer.

NO WINE FOR YOU!

#11

Lou; Hopefully, I (we) can give it a try this month…

Randy: I only wish I could bring you a real cannoli…The real trick is you don’t even eat the ones that are in the display case. You ask the owner to fill you a fresh one…it keeps the shell much crisper. Unfortunately, they really don’t travel well at all.

Cheers!
Marshall [cheers.gif]

#12

I’ve had two cannolis in my life, both bought by a New Yorker at an “authentic” NY deli in Myrtle Beach. One had some type of nasty cheese in it and the other whipped cream or something similar. [shrug.gif] [shrug.gif] Don’t know if I got authentic or not.

#13

[rofl.gif]

#14

If Pastranomy is owned by the same folks as Max’s I can attest to the fact that it’s probably a fail compared to a NY deli. A good pastrami sandwich in SF is a mythical beast still. I’d say the closest I have had (maybe a contender) is the Deli Board. Adam makes some mean sandwiches Cleveland style.
I love the Boca: corned beef, pastrami, brisket, muenster cheese, Board sauce, brown mustard, pickles, french. But the Mish is damn good too: corned beef, bacon, jalapenos, grilled onions, mayo, brown mustard, french roll

Reuben Ball From Food Network:
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut (well drained and chopped)
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk 1 teaspoon minced onion
1 (12 ounce) can corned beef
1 cup rye cracker crumbs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup thousand island dressing, for dipping (optional)
Read more at: http://www.food.com/recipe/reuben-balls-377159?oc=linkback

#15

Thats the key tip. I have purchased from a bakery that put the filling in a disposable pastry bag to be filled by you once you are ready to eat.

#16

Blasphemy: Mimi Sheraton seeks out historic NYC eats, disses Katz’s Pastrami…

#17

Roberto ,
I think she is right on and Katz’s simply ain’t what it used to be. Have you been there lately?

Cheers!
Marshall [cheers.gif]

#18

I’ve never been there. Just noting the refutation of the common wisdom (which can be found upthread)…

#19

Refuge in San Carlos (http://refugesc.com/ - no affiliation) has phenomenal pastrami. Better than Katz’s imo (from my memory of eating there several times 10+ years ago).

#20

Please excuse me. She knows shit. A couple of years ago, the Food Channel had a face off between Katz’s and 2nd Ave Deli. Katz’s won by a 4 to 3 vote. Data point - New Yorkers know their pastrami.

Gene K, have those places no shame. Mayo on a deli sandwich? Muenster cheese? I bet those folks have a glass of milk with their sandwich. neener