An Italian by Proximity

   I grew up in a small town with a large Italian population. Despite the fact I haven't a drop of Italian blood in me, I grew up attending spaghetti dinners at St. Mary’s and listening to my step grandpa, Jungle, exclaim “mangia” before we ate and insisting there be bread at every meal. And if you’re wondering about the nickname, I believe it had something to do with an abundance of chest hair. Doesn’t get much more Italian than that.
  I went to school with Calcaterras and Capogrecos, was taught by Garavalias and Oldanis, attended Herrinfesta Italiana annually and shopped, of course, at Louie‘s P&R.
  Louie’s was, and still is, my hometown delicatessen that, try as I might, I cannot find it’s equal. Despite all the good eats in Fort Collins, I have yet to claim a favorite sandwich place. I blame a childhood full of the best Italian beef sandwiches, salameats, dried salami and my sandwich of choice, turkey, salami and muenster on a hard roll… I am literally salivating just typing these words… I make Herrinites bring me the Louie’s Italian season packets so I can make my own Italian beef at home. I try to stop in every time I make a trip back. But it sure would be nice to have a comparable deli right here, instead of 900  miles away.
  I’ve decided to get serious and find my favorite neighborhood deli in Fort Collins and what better time to do this than when I am also on the lookout for the best picnic locales. I am officially hosting sandwich auditions.
  Court’s favorite place is Backcountry Delicatessen- but he didn't grow up in Herrin. He had never heard of a salameat until I made him try one and he didn’t even like it, so we’ll forgive him for his lack of discerning taste buds. Don’t get me wrong, Backcountry makes a fine sandwich- but I am not ready to crown them.
  Today Layla and I headed to Choice City Butcher and Deli to pick up sandwiches for our 'indoor picnic.’ (Cold weather and snow on the ground? No problem! A picnic is just a blanket on the living room floor away.) I adore the feel of the cozy eatery and their Pulled Pork BBQ that they only offer on Sundays is to die for, but when it comes to just a sandwich they just don't quite make the cut. (Although the cute scruffy guys behind the counter were awful sweet to my baby… but will they still be there in twenty years??) And so my quest continues…
  And, I know, even if I find it’s culinary equal, it won’t be quite the same. They won’t know my entire family and call me by name when I walk in. The very smell won’t magically transport me to a simpler time of life. But I can try to give that to my little one if I can just find my Louie’s in Fort Collins… if that is indeed possible… To Be Continued…

Even an indoor picnic sometimes requires your shades, and a post picnic dance off