Highly Recommended is a weekly spotlight on some of food writer Keith Pandolfi‘s favorite finds as he eats his way across Greater Cincinnati. Come back every Tuesday for more.
College campuses are a surefire bet for unexpectedly good food. And the University of Cincinnati is no different. Whether it’s mapo tofu at Sichuan Palace, the adobo brisket and cheese sandwich from Good Plates Eatery, or a spicy Sicilian-style slice from Adriatico’s, there’s as many great options here as there are in some of our city’s trendiest dining destinations.
The chicken shawarma wrap from Cincy Gourmet Deli.
Add to that list the chicken shawarma wrap ($9) at Cincy Gourmet Deli, which is located just across from UC on the corner of Jefferson and University avenues in Corryville. Sliced straight from the spit, the smoky, spicy chicken (and there’s a lot of it!) is tossed with pickles and garlic mayo then wrapped (tightly, perfectly) in a flour tortilla.
Cincy Gourmet feels like an homage to the old-school delis and bodegas of New York City: a no-frills neighborhood spot offering consistently delicious food served by people who take their jobs seriously. Along with the shawarma wrap, Cincy Gourmet also offer a chicken shawarma and rice plate ($12) with cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes topped with garlic sauce and spicy jalapeno sauce. It’s a dish that reminds me of the best Halal carts of Midtown Manhattan.
Other highlights include the NY standby chopped cheese sandwich, breakfast burritos, falafel tacos and an Argentinian-style Milanesa sandwich with breaded chicken, bacon, jalapeno and melted pepper jack cheese on a ciabatta. I’d make a point of stopping by before school gets back in session and hungry students start lining up for the sandwiches they’ve been missing all summer.
2832 Jefferson Ave., Corryville, 513-221-8888, cincy-gourmet-deli.com
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: From chicken shawarma to Argentinian sandwiches, this UC deli delivers