Deli-Berry

Sandwiches topped with apple slices and refreshing frozen yogurt are paired up to create a delicious summertime meal at the new Deli-Berry restaurant in the Northeast Heights.

The Deli-Berry, which opened on May 21, 2010, offers affordable sandwiches starting at $4.95 for a half sandwich or $7.95 for a regular sandwich.  Frozen yogurt starts at $2.25 for four ounces with one topping. The signature sandwich, the Deli-Berry, is a variation of the Reuben with caramelized granny smith apple slices and melted Havarti cheese on a choice of hot corned beef, pastrami or turkey.

"We love it because it adds variety," said Kathleen Lucero who owns Deli-Berry with her husband Brennan. "We just fell in love with the sandwich ever since we tried it." As for frozen yogurt, Kathleen said she recommends the Eurotart flavor.  The Eurotart is dairy based, but has soy to give it a creamier texture and citric acid to give it a tart undertone. Best of all, the healthy, refreshing dessert has only 70 calories.

"I like it because it is very refreshing," Kathleen said. "I can enjoy it alone, or with healthy toppings, or even with candy on top. Most of the time I eat it with fresh fruit. The only reason I wanted yogurt here is that I really like it and it married well with the sandwiches."

A lot of the menu is based on what the Lucero's enjoy eating themselves, but as they grow, the customer's input will drive the direction of future decisions. The Lucero's main goal, Kathleen said, is to provide good food with a simple menu for a price families can afford so the restaurant can attract neighborhood business and be a place to bring the community together.

"This is our brain child," Kathleen said, "but it is forming a life of its own. We are already starting to get a lot of regular customers. That's cool! It is proof positive that you can have a local gathering spot without serving alcohol."

 

 

- by Julie Medina, Albuquerque Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Julie Medina

Julie Medina has experience as a reporter at the Albuquerque Journal and has written freelance articles for the Albuquerque Tribune, Albuquerque the Magazine, New Mexico Magazine and New Mexico Kids Magazine. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in print journalism from the University of New Mexico in 2008. She has lived in Albuquerque since 1984 and believes it is best to remember to play like a tourist in your own hometown so you don't forget the vast culture around you.