An Ode to the Purple Star Deli: The Culinary Chapel of My Soul
There are delis, and then there is Purple Star. I hesitate to even call it a deli—it feels more like a sacred temple of taste, a culinary sanctuary tucked unassumingly into the folds of our fragile world. Since moving away, not a day passes where my soul does not ache—yes, ache—for the golden glow of its welcoming doors, the scent of sizzling perfection wafting through the air, and the comforting rhythm of sandwich artistry being performed with godlike precision behind the counter.
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere wraps around you like a warm hug from a long-lost friend. It’s cozy, familiar, and alive with the soft murmur of satisfied patrons and the hum of a sandwich press working overtime. The staff? Oh, the staff. Angels. Saints. Sandwich sorcerers. Their smiles could thaw even the most jaded commuter’s heart, and their memory for orders is nothing short of wizardry. I once coughed slightly in the direction of the counter and someone handed me a hot tea before I even asked.
But let’s speak of the sandwich. Not just any sandwich—the Chicken Cutlet Club. If Zeus were to descend from Mount Olympus and demand a mortal meal, I would humbly offer him this masterpiece. Perfectly crispy yet tender chicken cutlets, layered with smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a whisper of lettuce so fresh it practically still has dew on it. All of this tucked lovingly between slices of toasted bread sent directly from the heavens. One bite and I was transported—nay, elevated—to a higher plane of existence. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve written poetry about this sandwich. (It was haiku. It wasn’t good. But it was heartfelt.)
Now, in this colder, quieter town I now call home, no deli shines as brightly. I find myself lost in memories, clutching a sad, lifeless sandwich from a local chain as I whisper the words, “This isn’t Purple Star.” And it never will be.
So if you live nearby, go. Run. Sprint like the wind to Purple Star. Hug the staff. Order the Chicken Cutlet Club. And tell it I miss it dearly. Tell it I’ll be back one day, hungry and homebound.
Forever a fan, A very emotionally compromised...
Read moreThis place deserves more love by everyone, family run, they are very sweet and chefs talented, tastes homemade and fresh! I always love the atmosphere and the purple is so pretty! Whenever I’m back in my home town now for the past few months I’ve come here nearly every morning even if I have to count change in the car just to get breakfast or a tasty sandwich! The coffee is also very good; a few pumps of hazelnut syrup they provide and a good brew. I’m usually not a big fan of hot coffee but it hits my heart in a warm way. Pictured is one of the French toast specials which I had this past week, it was the best French toast I’ve had in my life, ever. Breakfast burrito with ham is one of favorites along with a bacon egg and cheese on a roll but I usually eat it so fast I can’t take a picture (I’ve also bought about 6 of them each for my family at one point)! My grandmothers favorite is the corned beef hash and egg, it’s Petite but fresh and fills you up! Honorable mention is also the pesto panini, very tasty. Overall I pray this business gets the recognition it deserves more for being a down to earth talented and delicious little cozy breakfast lunch...
Read moreVery disappointing. Ordered an egg omelet with hash brown and the hash brown was dripping with grease. Also ordered a chicken parm grinder, but instead got chicken cutlet with lettuce and tomato and didn’t realize it until I was already home. I called to speak with whoever was in charge and was told they were too busy to come to the phone. Said I would wait, which took 6 minutes for them to come to the phone just to do nothing to fix it. Wont ever go here again. Terrible customer service, not even mediocre food. Not...
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