Giugni's

In the heart of the Napa Valley there is a dark and dirty little deli that is easy to overlook. Surrounded by world class restaurants and wineries it might slip past the visiting epicure, but those in the know are blessed. I kind of understand, as in high school I remember all varieties of freaks making my sandwiches--people I would never let prepare my food had I not known in advance how excellent it would taste. There are plenty of chain sandwich shops, with their expensive advertising and so-called "sandwich artists," but these sandwiches are mundane and prosaic. How quickly does one tire of sandwiches off of the menu board? Three cheese choices? spongy bread?

In one of the culinary centers of America, you will find a sandwich taken to a different level. You want bread? Thirteen choices. You want meat? Twenty-seven choices. You want cheese? Twenty one choices. You want mustard? Three choices. You want a sub with under six grams of fat? You go to hell. Jared Fogel would not have lost the weight on the Giugni's diet.

Even though for almost 12 years I have lived 500 miles away from Giugni's Deli, the girls making my sandwich know I'm a local by the way I order it. How, I won't share with you, but even new face will say, "Ah, a local boy." When I am home to visit my parents, who for some reason do not share my passion, I am careful to plan my arrival time before five, so I can enjoy a sandwich before eating more family oriented meals. When I was home for Christmas, I ordered my sandwich, sat down at a window table, and just held it for a couple minutes. I wanted to let as many senses as possible partake in the experience. I went back the next day with friends. On my way back out of town, I stopped by to purchase four bottles of Giugni Juice -- red wine vinegar, soya oil, herbs, salt, pepper and garlic. It's legendary. The girl at the register immediately took an understanding tone, acknowledging that I must be going out of town, that she knew that I would be settling for inferior sandwiches for quite some time.

I try to avoid sandwiches for a while after being home. If I eat one to soon I get frustrated and either angry or sad. Within a couple of days of returning to Riverside, I ended up at a Panera Bread. Many regard this as a decent, even excellent sandwich place. I couldn't even finish. I grew silent. My friends asked what was wrong. I said nothing was wrong, but I had just eaten at Giugni's earlier. One knew what I meant, and gave an empathetic sigh. The others just looked at me like I was crazy.

If you haven't had the pleasure, you probably think I'm crazy. I have given friends visiting the Napa Valley lists of wonderful places to eat. Many include the destination restaurants, the ones they might read about in magazines, or see on the Food Network. I am only mildly surprised when they come back raving about their favorite -- Giugni's. I know I haven't had every sandwich in the world, but I will call Giugni's the best deli sandwich this side of heaven. Many will agree with me. Some might vainly try to convince me that some other sandwich is better, but until you try mine, I will not listen.

Giugni's Deli

1227 Main Street

St. Helena, CA

94574

(707) 963-3421