north st. deli

Fast · Fresh · Delicious

Day 931 One man band

I will be facing the people on my lonesome this lunchtime and i’m geared up and ready to go! It’s my little taste of Sparta except in this kingdom it’s unlikely that Gerard Butler will be kicking me into oblivion, Mother will be taking his place most probably. Strangely i’m in high spirits for what is set to be a testing rush.

Salads:

Moroccan spiced chickpea + cauliflower

Sumac + chives rice

Mushroom ragu pasta

Soup: Indian spiced lentils

Day 930 The funny thing is

This morning has been idyllic, especially compared to yesterday. It’s been a steam of some of my favourite people and the mood has just been immaculate. What’s hilarious is that today in particular many have concluded their conversations by appreciating the deli vibes but what they don’t know is Mother is red with rage because she’s not the biggest fan of…well…conversation. What can you do? One mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter.

Salads:

Med veg white bean

Lemon spiced rice

Sausage + ham pasta

Soup: Velvet mushroom

Sandwich: Cumberland sausage, Cheddar cheese, Red onion relish + tomato

Day 929 Squeeze me

This morning was simply chaotic. I woke up late, moose was sick, it’s pissing down yet somehow i’ve managed to claw back my morning and things are going relatively smoothly thus far! This whole week is set to be a little intense but it’s refreshing as I don’t feel i’ve had a stress test in a while (with work at least) so i’m oddly looking forward to the pressure.

Salads:

Black lentil curry

Ginger + turmeric rice

Cauliflower + cashew pesto pasta

Soup: Lightly spiced chickpea + coconut

Day 928 Let's do this

It felt like a long weekend as my sleeping pattern was all over the place but i’m in a chipper mood this morning. I’m working the counter today and i’m quite excited as I haven’t had to face the rush in a while. It’s going to be a long day and by the looks of it a stressful week but i’m just going to take it one hour at a time and pray for a good outcome.

Salads:

Chickpea + coconut curry

Seaweed + ginger rice

Tomato, basil + french bean pasta

Soup: Sweetcorn, ginger + tomato

Sandwich: Speck ham, Provola cheese, Chilli relish + tomato

Day 927 Here's to us

I was under Dragon’s spell yesterday. I find comfort in stress, it’s my default mindset and I work best under pressure but yesterday I found peace in serenity. Few words were passed between us but the room was filled with a warm ambience a feeling of tranquillity and content. Your radiance will never cease to amaze me and I can’t begin to thank you for the effortless reassurance you bring to my life.

Salads:

Black bean + roast squash

Ginger + spring onion rice

Sausage, ham + mushroom pasta

Soup: Spiced red lentil

Sandwich: Parma ham, Manchego cheese, spicy peach relish + tomato

Day 926 Hypocrisy

I have had another morning of pure natter and I have left myself no time to sit here and ponder about an amusing tale to tell. This isn’t amusing but I think that Eurovision is spinless for not penalising Israel more for their disgraceful lyrics. If Russia weren’t allowed to compete then they shouldn’t either. Period.

Salads:

Braised pinto beans + mushroom

Rosemary + garlic rice

Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta

Soup: Squash, carrot + orange

Day 925 Chit chat

I have a love hate relationship with the deli counter. Some days it’s a constant stream of interesting conversation and debates that inspire me to research new topics and adopt a new outlook on life. Other days it’s like Satan wants to test me and my patience for people. Today has been inspiring thus far, I can only hope the devil isn’t planning on coming in for a chit chat.

Salads:

Moroccan spiced lentils

Sumac + chive rice

Mushroom ragu pasta

Soup: Tuscan tomato

Day 924 Down pour

I get the worst anxiety when it rains this heavy. The sewage system in this country is as old as the history and while it shows the ingenuity of the human mind over the centuries we can’t update it fast enough to handle the ever growing population. So when it rains I have to keep a watchful eye on the drains and hope we don’t flood. If we do, hand me the plunger and I will unclog your pipes.

Salads:

Five spiced aduki bean + aubergine

Crispy tofu + spring onion rice

Sausage + ham pasta

Braised white beans

Soup: Leek, dill + potato

Sandwich: Chorizo, pecorino cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato

Day 923 Happy Birthday to the best boy

Moose, the border collie with a nose for success, spent his days working at the local deli. His job was to ensure that everything ran smoothly and that no delicious morsel escaped his watchful eyes.

One busy afternoon, the deli was bustling with customers. Moose, with his sharp instincts, noticed a tray of freshly baked cookies left unattended. With a quick wag of his tail, he alerted the deli owner, preventing a potential cookie catastrophe.

As the day progressed, Moose became the honorary taste tester for the deli's new sandwich creations. His discerning palate earned him the title of "Chief Canine Culinary Consultant." Whether it was roast beef or turkey, Moose gave his enthusiastic paw of approval.

During a lull, Moose charmed the customers with his friendly demeaner, earning belly rubs and ear scratches. The deli became the talk of the town not just for its delicious sandwiches but also for having the most lovable four-legged employee.

As closing time approached, Moose's tail wagged with satisfaction. His day at the deli was filled with treats, belly rubs, and a sense of accomplishment. The customers left with smiles, grateful for Moose's diligent service.

And so, Moose, the border collie, wrapped up another successful day at the deli, eagerly looking forward to more adventures and tasty delights in the days to come.

Salads:

Med veg + white bean

Leek + dill rice

Broccoli, chilli + tomato pasta

Soup: Lightly spiced chickpea + sweet potato

Day 922 Pour one for me

I have a free weekend ahead of me, so much room for activities i’m overwhelmed! I might partake in the favourite pastime of the British public this evening. Not dogging but drinking! I can’t remember the last time I got a bit piddly but if this shift goes well I might just have a few to celebrate not working for once. Chin chin!

Salads:

Chickpea coconut curry

Miso + crispy shallot rice

Beef + mushroom ragu pasta

Baked veggie pasta

Soup: Indian spiced lentil + tomato

Day 921 Leap year

Happy 29th of February! Time is amazing when you think about it. We time keep so much and never think about how time came to be. We started by using sun dials and now we have milliseconds. We’re constantly finding new ways to cut times on tasks to be quicker but what do we do with our spared time? We live our lives by the clock to arguably an unhealthy degree.

Salads:

Thai spiced chickpea curry

Ginger + lemongrass rice

Leek, tomato + black olive pasta

Soup: Roast pepper + bean

Day 920 Happily angry

I can understand that the deli dynamic might not be what you’re used to when you frequent an establishment. I gave up on traditional customer service a long while ago because it didn’t work in my favour. My demeanour might come across angry at times but I find it’s the best way to avoid unwarranted conversation. I relish in the ambiguity of my emotions.

Salads:

Cauliflower + mung bean curry

Ginger + coconut rice

Squash, tomato + basil pasta

Black eyed beans + beef ragu

Soup: Spinach, Potato + rosemary

Sandwich: Milano salami, Fontina cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato

Day 919 Do you

I really think the general under 30 population in the UK should change their outlook on life. You don’t need to find your vocation, get on the property ladder or find your soulmate to be content. You could get made redundant even if you are good at your job, interest rates are not in your favour and your soulmate is a figment of your imagination. Do whatever you want and stop comparing because the grass isn’t greener on the other side.

Salads:

Black eyed beans + roast peppers

Cumin + spinach rice

Bacon + leek ragu pasta

Baked veggie pasta

Soup: Lightly spiced cauliflower + potato

Day 918 Nom nom nom

Not the best start to the week, I woke up an hour late. This should have sent my day into a chaotic mess but I pulled my socks up and managed to set up the shop in record time! I need to re-evaluate my habits because I feel i’m regressing slightly. I need structure and less of the ‘life’s tough and I deserve it’ mentality, basically I’m eating my feelings and I have a lot of feelings, so i’m eating a lot. Ja feel?

Salads:

Chilli non carne

Spinach + herb rice

Super greens + tomato pasta

Soup: Mushroom + chive

Sandwich: Mortadella ham, Provola Picante, Chilli relish + tomato

Day 917 Gassed up

I have zero patience on Friday’s but it’s for your benefit. If I engage in conversation I will make mistakes and you won’t be pleased when your panini isn’t the way you like it so let’s save the pleasantries and get on with it. I came to work lacking inspiration but my morning crowd really gassed me up and now i’m ready for whatever… I think.

Salads:

Braised ginger + cumin chickpea

Rainbow rice

Cauliflower + pumpkin seed pesto pasta

Back lentil + potato with paneer

Soup: Med veg lentil

Sandwich: Parma ham, Pecorino cheese, Red onion relish + tomato

Day 916 Watch me read you

I love anthropology. The study of humans is not to be undermined, I can pick up of your ticks, icks and general habitual tendencies because i’m observant. Don’t be afraid, I won’t use my knowledge to hurt you, at least not on purpose (most of the time). However if your ask me how I worked out ‘X’ I will never be able to verbalise the mind map I use which just makes me look like a psycho.

Salads:

Beetroot goulash

Lemon, dill + turmeric rice

Veggie pasta bake

Soup: Indian spiced lentils

Day 915 Remember Hitler was liked at one point

As I was waiting in the corner shop queue I browsed the headlines of the various red band newspapers. The same stories reported differently to adhere to the target audience. It’s not journalism, it’s indoctrination and propaganda. We know this, we learn about persuasive writing in school so when debating someone that has opposing views to your own you should ask for their sources. If they say Daily Mail, bury them and move on.

Salads:

Indian spiced black lentils

Ginger + turmeric rice

Tomato, Basil + French bean pasta

Cheesy bake with multiseed croutons

Soup: Indian spiced vegetables

Sandwich: Fennel salami, Fontina cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato

Day 914 TFL

I’ve had to take the tube a few times recently. I find the tube distressing and depressing so I try to avoid it but on my recent trips I’ve had a different outlook. I love watching the eye tango that takes place. You want to look, inspect your surroundings but you don’t want to be caught staring so you tactically move your eyes around the carriage, you don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. Next time I might just pick a victim and hold eye contact for a few stops.

Salads:

Med veg + green lentils

Red pepper rice

Mushroom ragu pasta

Sausage, ham + potato braise

Soup: Spiced squash

Day 913 Night owl

I decided to have a little nap yesterday and it turned into a 5 hour sleep. So while you were all in dreamland last night I was pottering around trying not to waste my Sunday when it was in fact Monday morning. Even at 2am my creative flare was on top form and I produced a flavourful ramen, top tier midnight snack.

Salads:

Aubergine + black bean

Ginger + soya rice

Broccoli, chilli + garlic pasta

Coconut curry with sweet potato

Soup: Sweet potato + ginger

Sandwich: Spicy salami, Smokey mozzarella, Spicy peach relish + tomato

Day 912 Family feud

My sandwich lady is stuck at home waiting for Dreams to deliver so Mother and I must brave the Friday rush. I say this, I have to brave working with my Mother. If you want to see the most dramatic arguments about how to slice an avocado or cut piece of cheese. I suggest leaving the kids at home because there’s going to be a lot of swearing on shop floor.

Salads:

Thai coconut curry

Lemongrass rice

Beef ragu pasta

Pasta e fagioli

Soup: sweet potato + ginger

Sandwich: Fennel salami, Provola cheese, chilli relish + tomato