European style deli in Portland

[MsRamsey]

In Portland, where can one find a good Italian or European deli that carries a good variety of sliced meats and cheeses? I'm thinking something along the lines of DiLaurenti's in Seattle. I'm helping someone plan a reception, and Portland is much closer to where she will be having her party. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[mamster]

There's Elephants, at 23rd and Burnside (right?) which is good but expensive. There's also the new Whole Foods, which can probably be described the same way. heyjude? Jim?

[nightscotsman]

Is Ron Paul still open on 23rd? They might be more of a prepared takeout-foods deli, though.

[heyjude]

Ron Paul, which was verrry expensive, closed a few years ago and he now works for someone on the city council. Elephants is fabulous for ready to go food, but is not really a deli. There has always been a good German deli just off Powell east of Milwaukee. I hope it's still there. Kornblatt's on west 23rd has good New York Jewish style. The Zupan's on Burnside also has high end take out and cheese. The store that used to be Stroheckers also was good. I haven't been there for ages. What else do you want to serve?

[MsRamsey]

What else do you want to serve?

I'm helping her retool the godawful menu she came up with, the centerpiece of which was Costco lasagne (no, really). I told her that serving gooey lasagne from a foil pan just isn't festive. Hey, she asked for my opinion and I was happy to help her come up with a better plan. She's completely against hiring a caterer; her mom and many sisters want to do the preparation. So, I suggested a couscous salad I've made and liked. I suggested whole poached salmon.

Thank you for all of the great suggestions. It looks as though Zupan's will probably fit the bill for breads, meats, and cheeses.

Kathy

[David Dowell]

There has always been a good German deli just off Powell east of Milwaukee. I hope it's still there.

that would be Edelweiss.

FABULOUS if you like a wide variety of German / East European wursts, sausages, lunchmeats etc

just east of the intersection of Powell & Milwaukee, about 100 feet south of Powell

[heyjude]

That's the one. The song came into my head as soon as I posted. It's very authentic.

[Jim Dixon]

A few more ideas...

Pastaworks (on SE Hawthorne and in City Market on NW 21st) has a good selection of meats and cheeses...also composed salads and other stuff that would work well for a party.

New Seasons (several locations around Portland) also has a nice deli section.

Ken's Artisan Bakery (NW 21st and Flanders) for bread or rolls.

Jim

[MsRamsey]

Thanks again. The suggestions are very helpful.

On t'other board, someone claims that Pastaworks "has what [is] likely is the best selection of Italian wines in North America. The best Italian wine vineyard owners, consultants, who visit Pastaworks say they have not seen it's equal in selection in Italy."

Confirm or deny?

[trillium]

I like E&R a lot better, in terms of selection and expertise. They have a really great selection of Italian wines, every region and price range is well represented and the people that work there are very enthusiatic and helpful. Great newsletter, too. For what it's worth, they were written up in Food & Wine recently and got some sort of award...I'm fuzzy on the details. I was underwhelmed with Pastaworks both times I checked it out. Same for Zupans, I'd rather go to Whole Foods if I'm going to drop that kinda cash.

regards,

trillium