Foodblogging: The Brothers Deli

I had lunch at The Brothers Deli today. It nicely complimented what I was really craving, which was a giant sticky bun. Gods help me, I almost walked to overpriced, mediocre Keys Cafe. Pregnancy does awful, crazy things to your mind.

Anyway, Brothers. I've been curious about this place for a long time, having seen it from across the hallway at Chipotle many times. The place is always hopping, and that's a good sign in the Skyway. I got there early -- around 11:15 -- and it was empty, which suited me fine.

I ordered the sweet & sour cabbage borscht, which came with a popover, and got a chocolate chip cookie. The borscht was very sweet, but it was just sour enough to cut it. It was full of cabbage that was pleasantly crisp-tender and not at all slippery or overcooked. The broth had bits of tomato in there too. It was delicious.

Now, I come from northern Minnesota, and I know popovers. These guys do popovers right. The outside is crisp but not overdone, with a delightfully messy flaky crumb that gets all over your hands. Crack that open to reveal a moist and tender, almost custardy, airy interior. It's served with honey butter. That's all you need. Don't even think of sullying it with jam.

The cookie was large and moist and had the right ratio of cookie to chocolate chip: 50:50. A great way to cap off my sugar feast.

If I ever decide to eat meat again I'll be sure to try the bulgogi sandwich. Can a deli do bulgogi right? I might have to have my husband try it and do a full report.

The salads in the deli case are gigantic and tempting and they have more than a few vegetarian breakfast and lunch options. I will be back after I'm not pregnant to try the lox bagel for breakfast.

Despite the signs proclaiming authenticity, there is bacon on the menu. Just so you know.