Sandwiches have gotten fancy these days: caramelized this; sun-dried that; roasted what not. They’ve gotten expensive, too. And all that’s great sometimes.
But a lot of the time what I want is the good, old fashioned, comforting deli sandwich of yesteryear: ham and swiss on rye with lettuce and tomato and, if I’m feeling really fancy, mustard and mayo; tuna salad on wheat with lettuce, tomato and maybe a little extra mayo, and like that. And I don’t want to take out a bank loan for my sandwich either.
At those moments there is a perfect place to go. “We’re no frills, good old deli sandwiches,” says Ireland Corners General Store cook, Lee Ackhart.
My overstuffed chicken salad on whole wheat with lettuce and tomato cost $4.31 including tax. That, to me, is a real bargain.
The sandwich menu is extensive, and there are specials as well. The day I stopped in the Amigo Special was selling briskly. That was a chicken cutlet and pepper jack cheese on a roll for $2.99 and a sub for $4.99. ($2.99? Doesn’t a pack of chewing gum cost more than that now?)
Added to this is the fact that even when a full parking lot at Ireland Corners produces an “Oh no!” from a new arrival, service is like lightning. I have actually seen owner Pete Patel run between the grill area and the register to keep everyone flowing happily in and out the door.
So, need we say more? When it’s comfort food you want, Ireland Corners is the place. You won’t be offered a choice of five different flavors of wraps, and there won’t be a caramelized this, sun-dried that, or roasted what not in sight, but you’ll eat well and you won’t pay a fortune for it.