South Reno-based Yosh's Unique Deli has been hiding in plain sight, at 85 Foothill Rd. #4, for more than a year. In other words, I'd driven past it a zillion times without really paying attention. Thank goodness I finally wised up! My first visit, at lunchtime yesterday, was a revelation. This modern, bright and airy spot has a vast deli menu and obvious care for "made-from-scratch" quality.
I want to learn more about this restaurant and catering business. But from what I've heard so far, owner-operator Josh Codding (whose nickname is Yosh) is the grandson of the couple that founded Reno's Unique Delicatessan on Moana Lane in 1973. Re-establishing this beloved deli, Yosh has committed to presenting his family's time-honored recipes to a new audience, while also supporting local and regional food producers.
If you've read my blog post from Sept. 3, 2012 — DELI DILEMMA IN SOUTH RENO — you already know that I'm a native Chicagoan with a fondness for foods from Back East, including Reuben sandwiches. To me, a Reuben is a quintessential deli food. A deli that serves a rotten Reuben just isn't worth my time. Excellent soup is another make-or-break factor when I'm trying a new deli. I'm sure Jerry Seinfeld would agree. (Hence the catchphrase, "No soup for you!")
So to test Yosh's Unique Deli, I just had to go with a half-sandwich and soup combo ($7.99) of a Reuben and chicken soup.
Oh, happy day! The chicken soup was "to die for," piping hot and as scrumptious as my late grandma's, with a rich (and not too salty) broth and very tender chunks of chicken, carrots and mushrooms. This soup was so delightful that next time, I must order a bowl instead of a cup.
I really liked my half-Reuben, too. The pastrami was very juicy and just zesty enough, with nice toppings of kraut, cheese and dressing on marble rye. The sandwich portion and the pickle were on the small-ish side. My hubby doesn't like pickles so I swiped his to make up for it.
Meanwhile, he skipped soup — and regretted doing so, after he tasted mine. Being a cautious diner ("What if I don't like it?") he ordered just a half-French dip sandwich on sourdough ($3.99). He was not disappointed, deeming the beef very tender and the au jus "just right."
Yesterday's specials on Yosh's menu included a baked apple salad and a soup featuring bacon, Brussels sprouts and potatoes.
Yosh's regular menu features Signature Sandwiches such as Nana's Meatloaf, Pulled Pork and a Thanksgiving-dinner-style sandwich, The Gobbler. Build-Your-Own Sandwiches are $6.99 for a whole sandwich or $3.99 for half. As mentioned, the half-sandwich is petite, so go for the gusto and order a whole sandwich unless you have a kid-size appetite — or a need for soup.
Salad choices include Caesar, BLT, Salmon Nicoise, Italian Chop and more.
There's a nice-looking dessert case, as well, but with all the soup and sandwich action going on, I don't think I'll be needing it.
Yosh's Unique Deli has an outdoor patio that overlooks a small garden area — and across the street, mountains and cows. Before winter winds start to whip, I'll be sure to take advantage of the view — and more soup!
For more information about Yosh's Unique Deli, call (775) 853-9674 or visit http://yoshsdeli.com/ .
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