Fare worth pawsing for in Jeff

Deli Cat serves up ‘fine sandwiches’

By Erick Slattery | Manor Ink

Jeffersonville, NY – One might say Deli Cat sandwiches are absolute “purrfection.” The sandwich shop, recently opened in Sullivan Sundries on Main Street in this hamlet, has an atmosphere that radiates a calm, relaxed vibe. Behind the clean lines of the Deli Cat’s long wooden countertop and comfortable dining stools, you can watch the sandwiches being carefully made.

Charlie Mercein and Miranda Wagner are co-owners of the shop, and they have put a lot of effort into creating a bespoke sandwich shop. Mercein says the Deli Cat’s name is meant to be a play on the word “delicatessen,” as well as a nod to the cats that you often find in delis in New York City. And of course, “Cats” is a nod to being in the Catskills.

Mercein has had experience in many culinary settings, like being a sous chef at The DeBruce in Livingston Manor and the head chef at Hemlock Neversink in that hamlet. However, Deli Cat is the first business he has owned and operated by himself. He said that despite many years in kitchens, running his own business is a totally new experience. It’s a big leap, and he has had to learn to manage himself and “be his own boss.”

Locally sourced ingredients

Deli Cat sources many ingredients from the other shops in Sullivan Sundries; those sellers in turn get their meats from Europe. Mercein slices meat for each sandwich as he makes it so it will be fresh, instead of slicing in bulk at the beginning of the day like most delis would.

The deli’s menu is interesting, with offerings such as the Mortadella Sandwich with pistachio pesto and stracciatella cheese. The Veggie Sandwich is made with fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, pistachio pesto, arugula and balsamic vinegar, and you can add meats to it if you like. The Turkey Jam is a combo of smoked turkey, brie, pickled onions, arugula and, yes, strawberry jam. The Egg Salad comes on Texas toast and contains chili crisp. The Ham and Butter Sandwich is exactly what you’d expect from the name, served on a crusty French roll.

When asked where he finds inspiration for the items on his menu, Mercein said, “To be honest, I tried a lot of things, and I tend to fall back on the things that I can tell are the people’s favorites. From the early stages to now, it’s still a trial to see what works and what doesn’t.” Deli Cat will change up the menu for special occasions, and also offers catering.

Mercein said getting customers comfortable sitting at the bar and learning about individuals really makes his experience worthwhile. “I hope I’ve given people here a needed lunch destination and a spot to take a moment to have a nice hangout.”

That seems to be the case, clearly, because the Deli Cat’s sandwiches are so good you’d have to be Cat-atonic to not enjoy them.