The Village Beer Merchant opened yesterday. Though the business is expecting their license to come through very soon... the owners decided that it was time to make sandwiches and sell its non-alcohol goods. I was not at all surprised to see two of the biggest Elmwood supporters, Justin Azzarella and Dan Leonard of the Elmwood Village Association, waiting in line for deli sandwiches. I asked them what they were eyeing up and Justin told me that he was going for the "Elmwood" (golden classic chicken breast with sharp cheddar, fresh spinach, tomato and red onion served on French bread with homemade dill ranch - $7.99). Dan preferred the look of the "Mediterranean" (Italian prosciutto, Genoa salami with provolone served on focaccia with red onions, greens, tomato, and fresh basil pesto olio - $8.49). All sandwiches are served with dill pickle and coleslaw.
The guy making these deli creations is George Newman, who also prepares dinners at the Viking Lobster Company. He's been making deli sandwiches for a long time, and it shows... especially when you take one bite of any of his sandwiches - Reuben, Southwestern Wrap, the "Buffalonian" (roast beef), the "Best of the Wurst" (liverwurst). Along with the sandwiches, George is preparing tabbouleh, Italian bow pasta, Julienne Boar's Head Salad, Antipasto, and a marinated olive salad. When I asked about the pending license to sell beer, I was told that it is most likely days (really) away. The best news is that the Village Beer Merchant is up and running. Stop in, or call your order in ahead of time. And cross your fingers that the beer is only a matter of days away from arriving.
The Village Beer Merchant 547 Elmwood Avenue 716 (881-1080)