Great Food Search: Sunnyside Delicatessen

Nov 13, 2021 | 2021 Articles, Terrance V. Mc Arthur, The Great Food Search

A food magnet of the area for thirty-eight years, the Sunnyside Delicatessen owners retired and closed shop during the Pandemic Panic. Take heart, dear friends! It has returned, under new ownership, and southeast Fresno once more rejoices in the taste of Reuben sandwiches.

In September, the grand reopening lured hundreds of hungry fans, and reporter Mallory Moad, who wrote about the rebirth of the Sunnyside Delicatessen. Now, the Great Food Search queues up in the line to check out the menu. (It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it.)

Sunnyside Deli goodness

Since the Husak family purchased the building, there has been a wonderful revitalization. Cheerful wall-art, a bubbling fountain on the side patio, and a drive to recapture the old favorite menu items are hallmarks of the family’s determination to live up to the community’s expectations.

Reuben, Reuben, I”ve been thinking…of the Sunnyside Deli

Remember the Reuben sandwich? It’s back, and just wait until you see it on a swirled rye bread! The bread options are astounding, from Italian Roll and Dutch Crunch to Sourdough and Multigrain, along with the Rye. For an additional dollar, you can even have your sandwich on a wrap.

When it comes to cheeses, WOW! Provolone, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Havarti, Smoked Gouda, and Munster. For condiments and toppers, you can choose any combinations of mayo, deli mustard, lettuce, pickles, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and/or vinaigrette—or just ask for The Works.

Look at all the layers of meat in The Works at Sunnyside Deli

Speaking of The Works, there is a sandwich by that name that includes Pastrami, Mortadella, Salami, Roast Beef, and Ham. Sunnyside Deli uses Boar’s Head brand meats, and that’s a good thing. Throw in the condiments, and you have a mammoth munchy that overwhelms the muncher. It took me three eatings to finish it!

The new ownership listens to its customers. My wife thought the BBQ sandwich didn’t have as much sauce as the deli’s older version, and she told Megan Husak, the manager. Her next purchase was lovingly slathered with sauce, just the way she remembered it from the old days, and cut in half for ease of holding.

Inside the Sunnyside Deli TBA sandwich. It’s even better inside you

A staple of the old menu, the TBA is not “To Be Announced.” It’s Turkey, Bacon, and Avocado, and it’s oh-so-good. A fan of avocado slices, slabs of tomato, plenty of fine-sliced turkey, and your choice of cheese. Go for it!

One of the exciting things about the menu is to take a look from time to time, to see what has been added to the bill of fare. Some of the additions are old favorites of the past, but others are new surprises. One by one, salad selections have returned to the display case—Vermicelli Salad, Seafood Salad, Macaroni Salad, Potato Salad (and a Red Potato version), Pasta Salad (with dots of feta cheese—oh boy!).

Marinated Artichoke Hearts and Garlic Fries! Get them at Sunnyside Deli

Soups! They have soups! The Chicken and Dumpling always seems to sell out before I can order it, but I managed to get a cup of their Lentil Soup—Wow! A golden puree of garden goodness. Marinated Artichokes and Olives and Mushrooms are back in town (Lucky us!). The Husaks added a fryer to their equipment, and the fries and—gasp—Garlic Fries will take your breath away. Another major change is that beers and wines are available.

Even the packaging shows care. Cardboard boxes that interlock for secure closure protect food making a trip outside the deli. Look for the smiling sun logo at 5691 E. Kings Canyon Rd. You can order ahead online, or call 559-252-3338.

I’ve known the Husak family since the 1970s. They’re good people, and they’ll take good care of you.

Happy eating!

Check out more food articles and more of Terrance’s Great Food Search column in our Food Fun section. And check out a KRL staff profile this week on Terrance!

Terrance V. Mc Arthur worked for the Fresno County Public Library for three decades. He is retired, but not retiring. A storyteller, puppeteer, writer, actor, magician, basketmaker, and all-around interesting person, his goal is to make life more unusual for everyone he meets.

1 Comment

Kathy levernier on November 15 at 7:45am

Oh no you didn’t just post fabulous deli photos?
Showed husband… We could just cry… These are
Incredibly fantastic looking deli sandwiches!
Blessings for much success.?
Reply