Sandwiches have always been in demand for the busy Ateneo student who is always on-the-go, and JSEC’s Big Apple Deli hopes to serve just that—fuss-free, everyday sandwiches inspired by the Big Apple itself.

Taste

Big Apple Deli’s Grilled Chicken Pesto has a generous serving of mozzarella, but not too much that it oozes out of the sandwich and makes a mess. A bite into the sandwich gives you a mouthful of textures and flavors: Creamy mozzarella, tender chicken, fresh pesto, and tart tomatoes. The coming together of all these elements make for a perfectly proportioned and tasty sandwich, good for snacking on yet filling enough for lunch. On the other hand, the ham in the Breakfast Sandwich was a bit too sweet, and the scrambled egg, cheese, and garlic aioli did not do much to balance out the flavor.

Onion Rings are also the most recent addition to their menu. Served in a handy paper cone, they boast a light, crisp batter which is evenly coated with barbecue powder that hugs the silky onion ring without crumbling off. Whether eaten alone or as a side, this dish will keep you coming back for more.

Concept

What sets Big Apple Deli apart from other current sandwich stalls in JSEC is their high-quality ciabatta bread—perfectly toasted on the outside and soft and spongy on the inside. Concept-wise, the New York deli offers comfort in the midst of a bustling city like New York, which is exactly what Big Apple Deli hopes to do for the equally busy students of the Ateneo.

Value for Money

With their Breakfast Sandwich starting at Php 80 and their Grilled Chicken Pesto starting at Php 100, it’s safe to say that these sandwiches are sold at very reasonable prices considering the quality of ingredients and ample portions. The owners of Big Apple Deli made sure that the ingredients of their sandwiches would be filling enough so that students could really get a bang for their buck; with proteins like chicken, ham, and tuna along with an assortment of sauces like garlic aioli and barbecue that make for a well-rounded sandwich. Add Php 30 for a combo meal and you’ll get just the same amount of quality, only with an addition of their famed onion rings or popcorn, and a drink to wash it all down.

Final Verdict

There’s nothing overly extraordinary about a simple Grilled Chicken Pesto or a Breakfast Sandwich, but that’s the beauty of Big Apple Deli. Uncomplicated yet delicious, Big Apple Deli does not disappoint.

Rating: 4/5