There’s nothing like a sandwich from a Brooklyn deli.
As I travel the world, tasting food from all over the globe, I have often said to myself: “What I really want is a good deli sandwich.”
And they just don’t make ’em anywhere on earth like they make them in Brooklyn.
Check out Landi’s Pork Store (5909 Avenue N, 718-763-3230), a Brooklyn landmark, for a bit of culinary heaven.
This deli was started years ago by the grandfather of the men who run it today. John Lindner and his cousin, Danny Gorga, are the third generation in charge. Whenever you go to the store, one of them is always present, making sure the family tradition of delivering quality food and top-notch service lives on.
Order some of the finest quality cold cuts, with a side of the freshest homemade salads. Add some of their delicious cheese, a side of olives and, of course, put it all in between two hunks of mouth-watering Italian bread, and you’ve got one heck of a meal.
For those who don’t want to live by the sandwich alone, Landi’s Pork Store sells food that they cook, so you don’t have to do anything but stop by the store and take it home to enjoy.
They are noted for their homemade Italian sausage, which comes in flavors such as Sweet Italian, Hot Italian, Broccoli Rabe, Chicken, and Parsley and Cheese. They’re available in rings, patties, or links.
And, if you know someone who doesn’t make their home in Brooklyn, you can get any of these babies shipped, to give them a taste of what they’re missing.
Many people enjoy their pastas, such as their homemade ravioli. Top it with their special sauces such as Tomato Basil, Marinara, Clam, and Vodka. Then, top that with their grated Reggiano Parmigiano. It doesn’t get any better than this.
The history of Landi’s Pork Store dates back to 1909, with John J. Landi, who grew up in Red Hook. At age 18, he started working with Jersey Pork Store. The ambitious Landi learned traditional Italian recipes, and became a master at sausage-making. He did so well, he was sent to run a new company store. Eventually, through his hard work, he managed to take over this store, which was located on Navy Street.
In 1941, when the war reached America, Navy Street had a large military presence, so John moved the shop to Myrtle Avenue. It was around this time that John become known as “The Sausage King.” His son, Ben, learned the business, and was able to run the store on his own. As a result, John started another store in Old Mill Basin.
Eventually, the Myrtle Avenue location shop closed, and all concentrated on building the Old Mill Basin business, which grew from pork to include other goods. Today, they are known for their fresh mozzarella, manicotti, stuffed shells, loin of pork, and so many other gourmet Italian products.
Their homemade entrees and presence on the web are ways in which they’ve grown to meet the needs of their many satisfied customers today.
Planning a party? Landi’s Pork Store will take care of everything, including delivery and setup. Choose from selections that include Cold Cut Platters, Finger Sandwiches, Pasta Salads, Shrimp Cocktail Platters, Antipasto Platters, Mozzarella and Tomatoes Platters, Cheese Platter, Fried Food Platters, Party Heroes, and Specialty Heroes.
So what’s in a “Specialty Hero?” Just about anything you want, including meeting the needs of vegetarians with a hero that includes eggplant, broccoli rabe, and Portobello mushrooms.
Or, for those who love their pork, how about a “Honey Roast Pork” hero? Fish lovers? There’s solid white tuna with romaine lettuce and tomato. Chicken fans? Go with grilled chicken breast, Muenster cheese, romaine lettuce, tomato, and Dijon dressing.
Shop at the store, Mondays through Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays, from 8 a.m. 12 p.m. Or, visit them on the web, 24/7, at www.brooklynporkstore.com.
