north st. deli

Fast · Fresh · Delicious

Day 391 Hells bells

I needed that weekend. I think, because I haven’t got an advent calendar this year I’m not getting into the merry mood as I have done previous years. Sure, my snack at the moment is mince pies but that’s the only xmas spice I’ve wrapped my mouth round this year.

Salads:

Chilli non carne

Spinach + herb rice

Leek · black olive + tomato pasta

Polenta croutons with winter veg baked

Soup: Mild vegetable madras

Sandwich: Parma ham, fontina cheese, Spicy peach relish + tomato

Day 390 Cloudy with a chance of depression

You might wonder how I stay 100 all the time. It is a lie. Today for example. The weather is reflecting my mood it’s partially the cause I think. I can’t get my head out of this blue state of mind. Alas, after a few mince pies and some Sean Paul I should be right as…rain?

Salads:

Mung bean curry with winter roots

Lemon + ginger rice

Roast pepper + cashew pesto pasta

Soup: Lightly spices black bean + aubergine

Day 389 Who's there?

I was woken up last night to the sound of the dog howling at the front door because someone was knocking. At 4am. They knocked again, so I contemplated grabbing my cricket bat and seeing who was calling at this ungodly hour. But no, I drifted into slumber.

Salads:

Black bean + sweet potato

Edamame + crispy shallot rice

Courgette · tomato + basil pasta

Teriyaki tofu noodles

Soup: Lightly spiced parsnip

Sandwich: Speck ham, Pecorino cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato

Day 388 Fresh

For newbies, entering the deli must be so confusing. There’s so much laughing and shouting (even at 8am). I know it’s not for everyone but my advice would be to just get into it. We’re thick skinned and well versed with all walks of life.

Salads:

Med veg lentils

Leek + dill rice

Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta

Pearl barley with a chorizo ragu

Soup: Chilli Tuscan tomato

Sandwich: Fennel salame, Asiago cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato

Day 387 Turn up

The deli had a different vibe this morning. I was not heckling the customers. I was singing my heart out to my showtunes playlist, so right now i am on top of the world. I really felt the #turnuptuesday mentality. It’s another long day ahead so we have to stay pumped people!

Salads:

Borlotti bean + mushroom ragu

Spinach + herb rice

Cauliflower + cashew pesto pasta

Chicken + leek potato salad

Soup: Carrot · cumin + ginger

Day 386 Ice ice baby

As I was throwing out last nights pizza boxes the dark morning I heard this scratching sound behind me. I whipped my hooded head round so fast and startled the man scraping ice off his windscreen. Winter is truly here. So are our mince pies!!

Salads:

Paprika split peas + aubergine

Sun-dried tomato + rosemary rice

Broccoli · chilli + garlic rice

Soup: Lightly spiced sweet potato + chickpea

Sandwich: Pulled chicken, crispy bacon, asiago cheese, Chilli relish, festive slaw + mayo

Day 385 Pull my pork

I am on a serious high right now so i’m very giddy. I hope i don’t crash later. My good mood has been brought on by our sandwich of the day. I’m sure i’ve said this before and it will come as no surprise but I LOVE SANDWICHES. I know my job is perfect for me.

Salads:

Peri peri cauliflower + chickpeas

Lemon + chive rice

Mushroom ragu pasta

Soup: Mushroom + tomato

Sandwich: Pulled pork, crispy bacon, festive slaw, chilli relish + hoisin mayo (served in a burger bun)

Day 384 Deep breath

Let’s keep the spirits high today because i’m feeding the army solo. I am cold and absent minded so I will keep it short and sweet today. Lot’s of love.

Salads:

Red lentil dahl

Cumin roasted carrot rice

Roast pepper + herb pasta

Spinach · potato + paneer salad

Soup: Lightly spiced cauliflower + sweet potato

Sandwich: Chorizo, Pecorino cheese, Spicy peach relish + tomato

Day 383 Petulant child

Yesterday Jesus tested me. A customer whom I have known for many years decided to tell me off at more decibels than I appreciated. Due to my professional nature I let the child have their moment before they stormed off. Shame really no more deli for them.

Salads:

Med veg + white bean

Roast pepper rice

Baked meaty pasta

Roast veg panzanella

Soup: Roast pepper + tomato

Day 382 Sad reality

I’ve grown out of love with movies because, well…no matter how revealing, eye opening or educational they are people don’t take much away from it. I feel the same about David Attenborough documentary’s. Sure, you cry when you see the penguin is dying because of changes in the climate but when the show is over it’s like out of site out of mind.

Salads:

Black eyed beans in black bean sauce with roast aubergine

Ginger + miso rice

Chicken ragu pasta

Thai coconut seafood curry

Soup: Roast squash · rosemary + potato

Sandwich: Roast lamb, Pecorino cheese, Spicy peach relish + tomato

Day 381 Jesus wept

My eyes hurt. It looks like i’ve been crying all morning (which of course is a possibility) but there’s a lot of onion vapour in the air. My weekend is blurry and with the run up to Christmas upon us I will be more neurotic than usual. Sorry not sorry.

Salads:

Moroccan spiced lentils

Sumac rice

Roast vegetable ragu pasta

Jackfruit chow mein

Soup: Indian spiced celeriac + potato

Sandwich: Fennel salame, Provola cheese, chilli relish + tomato

Day 380 Crushed

Well, I discovered something i’m not good at. Bowling. I got destroyed. My ego was also crushed this morning when my darling dog tripped me up and made me fall into the corner shop. I mean like soap opera fall people!!!

Salads:

Mexican beans

Spinach + herb rice

Roast squash ragu pasta

Warm winter root salad

Soup: Leek · potato + dill

Sandwich: Fennel salame · provola cheese, Chilli relish + tomato

Day 379 Oh my dayz

Tonight I’m heading to Westfield for a spot of shopping. Back in my chav-ier days I went there often. It reminds me a bit of a casino. Your in this building that encourages you through discreet and non discreet measures to spend money, probably more than you initially set out to spend. I’m excited.

Salads:

Thai coconut with chickpea + squash

Miso + ginger rice

Roast pepper + tomato pasta

Panzanella

Soup: Sweetcorn · ginger + sweet chilli

Day 378 I heart LDN

I don’t understand people who don’t like London. If you like the quiet life, there’s a place for you. If you like hustle and bustle you can find it. As Samuel Johnson said “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life'.’ With this being said I’m going on a wonder tonight.

Salads:

Lentils + pepperonata

Lemon rice

Cauliflower + cashew pesto pasta

Smoked mackerel gratin

Soup: Thai spiced tomato

Sandwich: Cooked ham, Fontina cheese, jalapeno relish + tomato

Day 377 Crushed it

I felt like the baddest b*tch yesterday. Smashed out deli duties, did some heavy lifting at the wholesalers, walked the dog AND THEN, went to the gym and ran through TWO stitches. I inspire myself. Sorry to gloat but I needed everyone and their mum to know that.

Salads:

Smokey cauliflower + split pea curry

Rosemary + garlic rice

Beef ragu pasta

Paneer veggie curry

Soup: Cauliflower · potato + turmeric

Day 376 Merry AF

I didn’t struggle in waking up this which is a nice change. This week I need to make Christmas plans. Yes, it is mid November but due to capitalism and a densely populated city I must make by bookings now so I can ensure I get what I want.

Salads:

5 spice veg + aduki beans

Edamame + crispy shallot rice

Broccoli · chilli + garlic rice

Oriental BBQ pork noodles

Soup: Mild vegetable madras

Sandwich: Cumberland sausage, Asiago cheese, Onion relish + tomato

Day 375 How could I possibly decide

What do I want to do this weekend? Museum, Bike ride, Brunch? So many choices, it’s every so overwhelming. My little female brain couldn’t possibly make a decision like this. I might just stay home and sew. Maybe get high…joking of course.

Salads:

Mung bean curry with autumn roots

Rainbow rice

Chicken + chorizo pasta

Baked pasta

Soup: Roast pepper, Tomato + rosemary

Sandwich: Garlic salame, Fontina Cheese, Chilli relish, tomato

Day 374 Mamma mia

Mother tapped into her Italian roots yesterday and made Lasagne. It’s been a long time since she graced our dinner table with one of her classics and I’m still in a food coma now. I will take this happy subdued mood to make you all feel welcome today.

Salads:

Paprika roasted squash + Cannellini beans

Ginger + turmeric rice

Vegetable ragu pasta

Wild mushroom Pearl barley ‘risotto’

Soup: Tuscan tomato

Day 373 Just let the people drink

I sat at my desk after work and got nothing done. It is so tedious getting a license, now I know why speakeasies exist. I just want to add some vodka to our coffees! There are so many questions and rules, and i’m not great at reading the small print. Hopefully today will be more productive.

Salads:

Chilli non carne

Spinach + herb rice

Chicken ragu pasta

Soup: Lightly spiced parsnip

Sandwich: Spicy salame, Camembert cheese, spicy peach relish + tomato

Day 372 Official business

Genuinely, I have a pile of work on my desk and a tear in my eye. I want to apply for an alcohol licence but there’s so much official paper work to do and laws to follow that i’m scared I might f**k it up and go to prison or something. I also just electrocuted myself #greatday

Salads:

Moroccan spiced lentils

Sumac + preserved lemon rice

Courgette · tomato + herb pasta

Panzanella

Soup: Indian spiced mushroom

Sandwich: Roast lamb, Spicy peach relish, hoisin mayo + cucumber