Sunday Sandwiches - Carve Modern Deli & Beer

A few month back, I recall hearing about a place named "Carve". When I asked the person where this was, he said, "Aero Drive". Aero Drive? My old office used to be fairly close by and I don't remember anything named Carve; Aero Deli, yes.... B&B Catering....yes....

A few days later, I had a meeting at that old location, and lo' and behold....Carve.

The shop is located in the new, rather Mission Valley looking Corsair Apartment complex on Aero Drive. Man, the place just seemed to have popped up overnight. And while there doesn't seem to be much parking....there's a ton of retail spaces in the garage as well.

The shop is wide open; high ceilings, the de rigueur wooden paneling. The menu features, seven burgers/sandwiches, four salads, three "make-a-plate" items, "shared plates" (think appetizers), and craft beer. If you think hipster....well, you might be close. The cheapest sandwich on the menu is $10.95, which easily puts it in the same category as BFD, Ike' Place, and SuperNatural Sandwiches.

In terms of sandwiches; if you're not looking for a burger; it's two pastrami, three turkey, and one "catch of the day".

So, I went with Carve 'Strami ($11.95), you get either chips for free, or you can sub out slaw (+$1) or fries (+$2). I just went with the chips.

I really liked the home made chips; just enough salt, crisp, with good potato flavor. As for the sandwich, the bun was nice; perhaps a bit too "buttery" for me, but very soft. There was a good amount of tender smoked brisket pastrami; very smokey, a bit too salty, and too lean. Perhaps ordering this was pretty bad timing because I'd just got back from Montreal and had the smoked meat at Schwartz's....you know; this one.

The bacon was too hard; but fine. I'd have preferred more Dijon Mustard and pickles to cut the richness and do without the Mornay sauce which brought nothing to this sandwich.

Still, not bad, so I went back a few days later. This time I ordered the Turkey Jam ($10.95) with Fries ($2).

I really liked the flavor of the fries, which we nicely seasoned, but they didn't even hold up for the 10 minute drive back to the office.

As for the sandwich? The ciabatta was decently toasted and wasn't too chewy or hard as this type of roll tends to be in San Diego. The turkey was on the dry side and pretty bland; which would usually open the door for the fig jam. which was really mild and needed more "umph". The brie was also quite mild, but did add a small amount of acidity. I thought that there's wasn't enough greens on this sandwich and wish the horseradish sauce was more pungent.

The folks I ate with all said that they thought the sandwiches were on the skimpy side; but I thought these were more than enough for me. They also thought the prices were on the high side, which, based on places I put into the same sandwich category (see the beginning) I sort of agree with. Still, it's nice to see places like this popping up and I'm sure the folks who live around here must enjoy having places like this in their 'hood.

I did try the salads; but that's another post, stay tuned for that.

Also, "greens and plates" are only served from 11am - 3pm; shared plates from 3pm - 7pm, and sandwiches from 11am to 7pm, there are breakfast options from 8am - 11am. Whew.

Carve Modern Deli & Beer (In the Broadstone Corsair)
8583 Aero Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
Hours:
Mon - Fri 8am - 7pm
Sat 11am - 3pm
Closed Sunday

Comments

[Long Lost Cousin]

Hey Boss!!

Excellent Sunday grub troll!

Nice looking sandwiches but it seems they need a bit
refining. Thanks for the heads up. Will give them a try.

Right now my favorite sandwich in town is El Cubano at Havana Grill.

Scwartz's is the bomb!

shoot, that is like your 7th vacay this year! Pastrami is worth travelling for!

[kat]

dry turkey :(

[Kirk]

Try the Medianoche at Embargo Grill LLC....

Hi Kat - Yeah, kind of a bummer, but this place has potential.

[Sandy]

I noticed a business card for Carve in my office's break room, but didn't look close enough to note the address. Will have to check it out.

[Kirk]

Check them out Sandy!