Fatzo on Stein's

[bam bam]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#177


Stein's Deli

Sandwiches. Deli.
Uptown: 2207 Magazine . 504-527-0771. Map.
Lunch and early dinner Tuesday-Sunday.
Very Casual.
AE DC DS MC V
http://www.steinsdeli.net

WHY IT'S ESSENTIAL
You can count the number of excellent delicatessens on the fingers of one hand in New Orleans, and this is the best of them. They sell both Jewish and Italian styles, with more than a little New Orleans flavor too.

WHY IT'S GOOD
The quality of the deli meats and cheeses (it's not kosher, as you may already have guessed) is spectacular, to the point that if the place is convenient you may find yourself buying all your sliced meats here. The sandwiches are im*****tive and well made. Although you can't drink it there, beer is available in amazing variety, including some real rarities. Also here: a smattering of gourmet groceries.

BACKSTORY
Owner Dan Stein opened this place after working awhile at Martin Wine Cellar and a few other places.

DINING ROOM
The deli is in a very old retail space in the Irish Channel, and not much has been done to renovate or dress it up. Tables, display cases, and counters are all shoved in wherever they fit. Sausages, hams, and cheeses hang about. The place smells good.

ESSENTIAL DISHES
Muffuletta.
Beef tongue sandwich.
Tuscan panini.
Fernando sandwich (prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, pesto on ciabatta).
Bagels and bialys.

FOR BEST RESULTS
Don't come in a huge hurry. Grab any space that comes open and be prepared to tidy it up a bit.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
The premises are so ramshackle that it's hard for customers or employees to function. The tables get messy when the place is busy.

FACTORS OTHER THAN FOOD
Up to three points, positive or negative, for these characteristics. Absence of points denotes average performance in the matter.

Dining Environment -2
Consistency +2
Service -1
Value +1
Attitude +1
Wine and Bar
Hipness +1
Local Color +1

Andre,

He gave you a minus 1 for service. Get your act together damn it!

How the Dean of New Orleans Food doesn't know that Stein's is in the Lower Garden District and not the Irish Channel is beyond comprehension.

[ratcheese]

We were in there last Saturday. Awesome sandwiches. Too bad about the no alcohol consumption. If they served beer and wine, that place would be too crowded for its own good; I doubt you could get in there.

[Lucie]

If he would rent the available space next door, he would be even more overwhelmed with business because his guests would be overwhelmed with elbow room. Since he has a retail liquor license and the quality business he adds to the neighborhood, there is no reason the city would not give him the permit to consume on premise in the future. He is technically in the Garden District so it might take a little longer, and the blessing of this neighborhood society. The Swells don't want to open the door to another bar on their turf. They like him already, it should happen, but he really has to take over the space next door, thats a given.

[dansteino]

Thank you for the kind words.

My business is fine as it presently stands.

I do not anticipate expanding into the space next store until I own the building. No reason for me to sink tons more money in improvements into a building that belongs to somebody else. One should also look at the variance (conditional use) to sell liquor for on premise consumption as well as the ultimate license as improvements since they cost money and run with the property.

I am looking into whether we can convert one of the slave quarters in the back into a bakery so that we can bake our own wheat, white, and Jewish rye breads.

Dan Stein

[bam bam]

Thank you for the kind words.

I am looking into whether we can convert one of the slave quarters in the back into a bakery so that we can bake our own wheat, white, and Jewish rye breads.

Having the slaves in the back bake your bread should reduce your labor costs immensely. Will your best customers be able to assist in the inevitable floggings?

[Lucie]

dear dan steino,
congrats on trying to buy the building, its huge. Does the flag store come with that ?
I would just be more apt to give you more biz if i could bring peeps from my office, clients, my mother, to your establishment if there was room for us. Tables and chairs next door, some deli art ? Photos of all the celebs you know?
Tell Andre I think he is cute.

And, whats with the bam bam always making nasty, unnecessary derogatory comments ? He must be used to getting away with it. Bullies are everywhere.