In a very airy and bright open space, Masterpiece Delicatessen seems to be run by a top-notch group of chefs who are constantly innovating and perfecting the deli sandwich. Other wares include crafty salads, rich soups, breakfast goodies, gourmet coffee, housemade desserts (yum), and overflowing plates of meats and cheeses. Whew! Top it off with a cooler full of artisan sodas and -- gasp! -- real rootbeer, and you've got a tasty lunch hour on your hands.
Frankie and I went to Masterpiece Delicatessen for a quick Friday lunch; he's been raving about this place for a few months now. He ordered the braised beef brisket upon discovery that the Get-Right wasn't on the menu that day, but apparently there was no buyer's remorse. A thick serving of brisket spilled out the sides of a crusty baguette with crunchy pieces of Arugula (lettuce of choice in Denver, apparently) sticking out and sopping up some brisket-y goodness. Heaven on bread.
I chose only-slightly lighter fare: the Black Truffle Egg Salad Sandwich. Frankie isn't an egg salad fan, so I had all the tasty glory to myself that afternoon -- add in red onion, capers and romaine on toasty white bread and you have one egg sandwich that blows the rest of them out of the water.
I now find myself making excuses to walk 15 blocks through Lodo to get my hands on other mouth-watering items, like the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich with zucchini, Piquillo peppers, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, tomato tapenade, hummus and Manchego (wowza!). More reports to come, as I am on the hunt for that fabled Get-Right...
Masterpiece Delicatessen, 1575 Central St, Denver 303.561.deli
