It’s known for famous sandwiches like the Reuben and its Thanksgiving special, The Ross. I’ll be writing about next month when it returns to the menu.
Fair Deli is arguably most famous for its creations at the New York State Fair. That’s where it’s revealed staggering menu items like the Dr. Pickle. A simple drink of Dr Pepper mixed with pickle juice and dill pickle slices. Or its Korean corn dogs: a long, gooey piece of mozzarella that gets battered, deep-fried, and coated in your choice of Hot Cheetos or Fruity Pebbles. Both are worth the trip to the Fair on their own.
But I don’t think many people give Fair Deli’s store the same attention they give its stand at the Fair. So for those of you who have never been to Fair Deli on State Fair Boulevard, allow me to introduce you.
I’ve known about Fair Deli for almost as long as I’ve been running this business. I was actually first introduced to the folks there when I went in with my old boss to try to sell them coffee. For a short time, I was a wholesale coffee salesman for a local roaster in Syracuse. I remember walking into Fair Deli to meet with the owners, and they recognized me. My boss was not too happy about that. But he was also kind of a shitty person.
So I’ve known the folks at Fair Deli for some time. I’m happy to say that over the years I’ve not only gotten to work with them but also become friends with them.
So when Zach, the owner, tells me he has a new sandwich he wants me to try, I run over there. This one is called the Roma. They take focaccia from a local bakery and add prosciutto, salami, arugula, tomatoes, hot honey, crushed pistachios, and an entire ball of burrata.
The sandwich is outstanding. It has every flavor you’d imagine and more. It’s salty and ever so slightly spicy from the hot honey. Those crushed pistachios mixed with the creaminess of the burrata are the best part.
Don’t worry, I already know The Ross, their Thanksgiving sandwich, comes back in November. I’ll be among the first in line to try it. And yes, I’ll be making another video and writing another blog about it when it comes out.
Until then, get out to Fair Deli on State Fair Boulevard in Lakeland and give them a try.
