Tommy's Pastrami New York Delicatessen - Huntington Beach.

08-20-2008
The emerging Tommy’s Pastrami New York Delicatessen will become a major franchise and may be coming to a city near you. Over 78 franchises have been sold since its conception in October 2005; yet currently only 8 have been opened.

I visited the franchise on Beach Blvd, in Huntington Beach and am concerned that the concept of mixing New York style deli food with WestCoast flair is going to corrupt the whole concept. Then add the corruption caused by franchising and it may spoil the public’s conception for what is quality deli food.

To test Tommy’s commitment to quality, I ordered two staples of Jewish Deli; Pastrami, and Lox and Bagel plate. I was pleased with the food preparation, presentation, and ingredients. The Rye bread was very tasty Jewish style rye. The Pastrami had a nice taste and was stacked high. It was joined with a good deli pickle. This was a very good sandwich; I would recommend to any one.

I was pleasantly pleased when I turned my attention to the Lox plate. I first noticed that the onion bagel was soft, a sign of freshness. On the bagel was a square slice of cream cheese; it was not too much, but just enough. The smoked lox were fresh, thick, and the proper serving size. It was served with fresh vegetables; 2 tomato slices, a slice of red onion, 2 crisp lettuce leaves. It also had thick cucumber slices, and a pleasant surprise, fresh tasty capers. For a West Coast deli, this was a good find.

The other thing that caught my attention was the freshness of the vegetables. In fact, I have never seen such a fresh selection. Where ever they are purchasing their produce is a find they should never let go of.

The restaurant was clean, neat, and well kept. The dining room had many places to sit and the lunch crowd was in. The decor was plain and simple; there was a large drawing of the New York Sky Line on one wall.

The only disappointing part was the service and I am going to hammer it hard for I believe that franchise restaurants must have a good training program. Every person is key to customer satisfaction. What brought dissatisfaction was the attention I received at the order counter and the improper hygiene behavior of the staff.

When I approached the counter the employees were talking and joking while taking my order; I was not special or important. There was much unprofessional banter and it was very non-becoming. I would expect rude New York attitude, if done to enhance the New York Deli atmosphere, but this was West Coast carelessness.

As I waited for my order to come up, I noticed one employee talking to another about nail biting and he put his fingers in his mouth and then touched mayonnaise packets and drinking cups as he talked. He was not serving, only impulse touching while he gabbed.

Another employee wiped her nose with her hand and then grabbed orders coming to the window. Then another used their pants to wipe their hands. It was obvious that the care put into the food was not applied to the staff.

Employee antics aside, the visit to Tommy’s Pastrami New York Delicatessen was a good experience. I cannot wait to go back and have the Lox plate again.

Food Rating: (1-10) 8

Service Rating: (1-10) 3

Tommy Pastrami New York Delicatessen
Beach Talbert Village
Corner of Beach and Talbert
18001 Beach Boulevard
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

http://www.tommypastraminydeli.com