Seakor Polish Delicatessen and Sausage Factory

5957 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121. (415) 387-8660  

http://www.seakordeli.com    

 

On a recent trip to San Francisco, my friend Amanda suggested that since we were going to be in the vicinity of the Inner Richmond we should stop at a Polish delicatessen/butcher shop, that her boyfriend (a local chef) recommended- Seakor Polish Delicatessen and Sausage Factory. (Seakor has been making sausage in the Bay Area since 1977.) The shop was easy to find, a tiny storefront that looked like it had been a long time fixture in the neighborhood. As we made our way to the back of the store and to the meat counter, we passed a wall of shelves heavily laden with jams, Polish candies, pastries, various dried mushrooms, Vegeta seasoning and jars packed full of sauerkraut. To the left were cold cases, showcasing the housemade sausages, smoked meats, cold cuts and containers of pickled and creamed herring. The store also carries pierogis (frozen) and bigos.  At the rear of the store, we were greeted by a friendly butcher (Jerry) who kind of reminded me of a cross between Danny Aiello and Tony Soprano. Both Amanda and I ordered a pound of house-cured bacon (sliced to order) each. She also ordered some Polish sausage and I went with a smoked pork shoulder (baleron). As Jerry put our order together, we chatted with one of the regulars- a little old man (who assured me everything there was wonderful) and looked over the display of kabanosy, kielbasa, hunter sausage (mysliwska), śląska,  head cheese, veal, liverwurst, garlic sausage and summer sausage.

 

Amanda advised me that the bacon and sausage she brought home were terrific. I really liked the bacon but wasn't as impressed with the smoked pork shoulder. It was just okay. Next time, I think I'll stick to their bacon and sausages.

 

Seakorn has a great Old-World feel to it and the service is terrific. If you're in the SF area and like sausage and fresh bacon, stop by and check them out. If you're not in the neighborhood, the butcher also told us that from time to time they make their way to Sacramento to the Polish American Community Hall in Roseville to sell their products (at the Hall's Christmas eve dinner, Easter breakfast and Spring Festival).

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Roxie Deli and Grocery

(meatball sub, mafia-style on dutch crunch bread w/ cheddar & sour cream chips)

"Too few people understand a really good sandwich." - James Beard

3340 C St, Sacramento, CA 95816, (916) 443-540.

If a deli could have a voice, I’d picture Roxie Deli to be sporting a Tony Danza-Who’s The Boss-esque, “Ay-oh! Oh-ay!”  Roxie’s is squirreled away on the corner of 33rd and C in East Sac in a building that looks much like your typical bare bones, urban quickie mart. However, don’t let their inconspicuous residential location fool you, those boys know how to handle their meat and make a mean sandwich.

The guys behind the counter exude a Soprano’s like tough guy demeanor but really they’re sweet as pie. I mean what gal doesn’t like to be called “pretty lady” when placing a lunch order? In fact, my 65 year old father gets called, “boss” and “young man,” when he pops in there and I think he likes it!

Back to the food. Roxie’s holds true to a firm BBQ schedule:

Monday: Tri-tip

Tuesday: Pulled Pork

Wednesday: Ribs

Thursday:  Brisket

They do their own BBQing on the smoker right outside the store and Jesus-tap dancing-Christ, it’s delicious! They also have an array of traditional deli sandwiches piled high with yummy condiments. My favorite is the meatball on dutch crunch bread (this bread is like manna from heaven, it’s simultaneously soft and crunchy). Sometimes if I’m feeling sassy, I’ll have it made “mafia-style” (meatballs, provolone, light mayo/sour cream mix and topped with parmesan cheese).  It comes in three sizes: junior, regular and supreme. I get the regular and usually can get lunch and dinner out of it, especially if I pair it with some Dirty Potato Chips.

On the flip side, Roxie’s also offers a few items in their deli-case that make me scratch my head: raviolis, tamales, piroshkies and the occasional deviled egg—but hey, they might be good for all that I know? Too bad I’ll never have any room left in my stomach to give them a whirl. Also take note, Roxie’s does stay true to their neighborhood roots by carrying various domestic 40’s and a few pints of imported brews in their cold case.

So next time you’re in East Sac, belly up to the counter…I’m sure the Roxie boys will make you an offer you can’t refuse.

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