The North Shore Deli located on the island of St. John is truly a food find that I would recommend to everyone.
Nearly every time we’ve taken a Caribbean cruise that stops in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, we escape the crowded port town of Charlotte Amalie by taking the ferry over to St. John. This beautiful island is nearly 2/3 national park and has a relaxing laid-back feel to it. That, along with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay, makes it one of our favorite destinations. Now, we have found one more reason to go back soon…..the North Shore Deli.
This local hangout, almost hidden in a far corner of the Mongoose Junction shopping center, was recommended to us by a sales person at the Sea Leathers Boutique right near the ferry landing in downtown Cruz Bay. She called it “the best deli on the island” and since we haven’t yet had a chance to try any others, I’d say this one sets the bar pretty high. I am sure being voted “best sandwiches on St. John” six years in a row doesn’t hurt either .
We arrived just before the noon lunch rush, so we were able to take a good long look at the menu before settling on the lamb gyro and the special of the day, a Porchetta sandwich with Italian Salsa Verde. The gyro was made with all fresh ingredients and the Porchetta sandwich really rocked! I chatted with the owner Demetrios Alahdis for the rundown on the Porchetta. He said he slow roasts the pork shoulder for 24 hours. Then he adds a fresh herb salsa to brighten the flavor of the meat before serving it on homemade ciabatta bread with crispy pork cracklings. The meat was very tender and juicy. The rich pork, the salty cracklings and the fresh herbs in citrus juice made for a fantastic flavor combination. The Porchetta sandwich is a must try for any one lucky enough to be there when it’s the special of the day.
If it’s not on the menu, there are many other slow-roasted meats like pastrami, roasted pork, and corned beef available daily. If you are on your way to the beach, they have a number of cold items in the “grab and go” deli case that are fresh and ready to go.
