McLean’s Custom Deli
332 Water St.
604-669-1122
Rating: ****
Reservations: No
Licensed: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Last night at Rogers Arena, Canuck Kirk McLean was inducted into the hockey club’s Ring of Honour for his historic career spanning more than 10 seasons in Vancouver.
His franchise records include most post-season victories with 34, and it’s roughly this many centimetres that his deli’s puck-shaped sandwiches span.
Located at the rear of his Gastown eatery (aptly named McLean’s), Kirk’s sandwich-making team assembles captain-sized creations filled with smoked Italian cold cuts from La Grotta Del Formaggio on freshly baked bread by La Boulangerie.
In bona fide deli fashion, I chose my meat: turkey and Genoa salami. The thinly sliced salty shavings were piled on whole wheat focaccia, lathered in McLean’s own creamy, herb-filled garlic aioli (do not go easy on this).
Served on the side were perfectly salted house-made chips. Pair these with a brewski from behind the counter and who needs a Stanley Cup?
