Because we’re all about choices, it’s an easy decision to pick Gourmand’s Deli in Valley View for breakfast or lunch. The small family-owned deli (which also sells a nice selection of beer, wine and cigars) continually surprises our palate with more than 50 sandwich options — including eight vegetarian versions — for our midday meal. While you’ll find expertly crafted classics here such as a turkey club ($9.50), chicken parm ($8.95), Reuben ($10.95) and gyro ($7.95), experiment with some of the 21-year-old restaurant’s clever combos. Sure, you may pause before ordering the Hawaii Five-Oh ($9.50), but one taste will have you floating to a foodie paradise. Juicy smoked turkey and spicy pepper jack cheese are balanced by a sweet pineapple chutney, while crispy bacon, coleslaw and sweet onion potato chips between toasted sliced French bread provide hefty crunch and a wave of tropical flavors. For another crazy creation, try the My-Thai ($7.50). While bacon and spicy peanut butter on toasted rye may sound like an odd pairing, the coupling of rich and zesty pays off with each delicious bite. The Polish Steak ($7.50), featuring beef sausage covered in a thick slice of provolone, ups the flavor game with roasted onions and a tangy honey mustard sauce — all on toasted sliced French bread that soaks up every last drop. While there are no wrong decisions here, you will be faced with a lot of second guessing. 5345 Canal Road, Valley View, 216-328-0942, gourmandsdeli.com
Not only is the longtime restauranteur exploring contemporary Italian and importing a chef from Italy: She's also launching an ambitious dining complex on the corner of West Sixth Street. By Dillon Stewart
