Restaurant Review
| News
| Sports | Business
| Opinions | Columns
| Entertainment |
| Science/Technology| Weather
| Archives | E-mail
Us |
Friday, June 9, 2000
Time Out Deli serves up homestyle offerings
Loyal following savors homemade sandwiches in cramped surroundings
Time Out Deli is a small, simple bright and narrow mom and pop operations wedged next to the Dragon Lounge Martini Bar in the heart of Corpus Christi's nightlife district.
Though only open for a few months, the small eatery, shaped like a railroad car apartment, with small tables running down each wall, already has developed a loyal following from nighttime club hoppers and daytime downtowners looking for some home cooking.
At Time Out, you order at the counter and you need to tell them exactly what you want on your sandwich. If you don't ask for lettuce and tomato, you won't get lettuce and tomato.
Also be wary around noon - Time Out fills up quickly and lines can stretch to the door.
There are a pair of tables and stools outside, but most patrons prefer the air-conditioned, but cramped, indoor tables among the lime-green barren walls.
Homemade goodness
But you don't venture into this Chaparral Street deli for the atmosphere, anyway. You go for the hearty sandwiches and the signature salads, which are reminiscent of the secret recipes only grandma knew how to make and were only served at family picnics.
At a recent lunch, my dining companion waited only minutes in line before placing our order, but more patrons quickly filed in behind us.
We decided to start with a special, the chicken and rice soup. I never knew soup could be greasy, but you could see the fat floating in this fragrant caldo. But the stew was filled with well-cooked rice and fresh chunks of tender avocado that melted in the mouth. There wasn't much chicken, but snips of fresh cilantro added a tangy zing.
Rich sandwiches
Before we could finish, our sandwiches were brought to our table, paper plate picnic style.
My dining companion opted for the signature Time Out turkey sandwich, one I've had before and one I'd order again. The turkey is stewed in brothy gravy with caramelized onions and served up on grilled French bread. Each bite explodes with juice, perfectly salted. The Time Out is almost like having Thanksgiving turkey, with the gravy, on a bun.
They do an equally fine job with the Time Out chicken sandwich, which is prepared the same way.
I ordered a chicken salad sandwich with lettuce. Again, the chicken salad, filled with onions, pimento and celery, all held together by Time Out's homemade mayonnaise, is a treat.
They start with the same stewed chicken they use for the Time Out sandwiches, that much is obvious. But the end result - a zesty, tangy mixture - is unlike any chicken salad around town.
It's equally good without the chewy French bread.
Coming back for more
Each sandwich at Time Out is served with fresh melon and one of their homemade salads, which include Mama's carrots (shredded carrots with pineapple and raisins), Green Pea Salad (peas and finely cubed cheddar cheese) and a mustardy potato salad.
Lunch also comes with dessert, usually a creamy white custard sandwiched between red and green Jell-O.
But homemade cakes, such as the sinful tres leches (three milks), also are served by the slice.
Though one of many delis downtown, Time Out's tasty offerings and family recipes that leave you saying, "What's in that?" are enough to keep us popping in for lunch time after time.
Time Out Deli
322 N.Chaparral St.
884-4426
Food: **
Atmosphere: ** 1/2
Service: **
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Checks: Yes.
Credit Cards: Coming soon
Wheelchair accessible
Entrees: $4.50-$5.99
| Talk
about this story | Next Story
| Home |
© 2000,
a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.
|
 |
 |
|
