Best of Tucson 1996: Best Delicatessen

Best Delicatessen

Feig's Kosher Foods and Delicatessen
5071 E. Fifth St.

READERS' PICK: If you've not had the good fortune to find yourself in the clutches of a noontime hunger while in the vicinity of Fifth Street and Rosemont Boulevard, you might have missed out on eating at Feig's Kosher Foods and Delicatessen. One peek inside at midday, however, reveals the multitudes who've made it a regular lunch habit. Take a number and observe. Let the seasoned deli diners instruct you on what's best to order. Look, listen and inhale deeply. The pastrami's among the leanest in town and, piled between thick slices of a dense, sour rye bread slathered with mustard, it's tough to beat. The chicken soup is a robust broth redolent with bite-sized pieces of chicken, onion, carrot, celery and noodles. Let's skip past the usual deli sandwiches, which are all made with the finest kosher ingredients, and go straight to the knishes: a classic baked dumpling wonder filled with a mixture of potato and onion. The food at Feig's is truly blessed.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: For the gas 'n' go lunch crowd, Sausage Deli, 2334 N. First Ave., is a long-time landmark, however unassuming; and their tasty Susie Sorority (a sandwich, unfortunately) is perhaps this area's landmark lunch. Embarrassing to order, easy to eat, she's heavy with turkey and Havarti on whole wheat, with tons of mayo and lettuce. Susie's so good, you don't even mind munching her tickly sprouts!