Kim's Deli

In previous posts I've mentioned the phrase "Google is your friend". Here's another example.....I went ahead and Googled "Teriyaki Beef Sandwich" and was surprised at one of the results. It was fairly close to the office, named Kim's Deli....which seemed like one of those little business park sandwich shops. Looking over the menu, I was fascinated and based on the name, well, it immediately reminded me of The Sandwich Place. I went ahead and drove on over finding the shop in (of course) a business park at the end of a cul-de-sac.

I entered and headed over to the social distancing marks....I was the only person in the place. Soon enough, a very nice Korean woman came over and I ordered the Teriyaki Beef sandwich, priced nicely at $7.

I went ahead and drove back to the office and opened my sandwich.

This was actually not bad for the price. The beef, while obviously reheated in a microwave was more tender than what I expected and while a bit on the sweeter side, nicely marinated and not overly salty. It's actually better than TSP's. The bread was standard issue a bit crumbly, but yeasty. I'm not sure about the provolone cheese on this, the jury's out.....I'll try it again and see. There was a bit too much mayo, but this was a decent sandwich....especially for seven bucks.

While waiting for my sandwich; I noticed that there were some poke bowls (sorry, not for me) and a Bulgogi Bowl ($9) available. The woman working told me it was available every day. So, a week later, I called in my order, which was ready for pick up when I arrived.

I was quite surprised at the heftiness of my package and when opened was surprised at the quantity of food.

I cracked up when I opened my "box" up....as this was bit more than a "bowl"; but beyond that, the plate totally reminded me of something I would get from a lunchwagon back in my hanabuddah days or if they added in some, say namul and kimchi, it would look like one of the "local kine" (I always say local style meat and three) Korean takeout places.

Nothing fancy here; the japchae was straightforward; on the salty side and mostly just noodles.

The Bulgogi was the same meat as the teriyaki; but more tender this time and fairly well marinated.

Again, no frills, straightforward.

I mean, really, what do you expect at this price point?

The green salad was fine, fresh, with a sesame dressing.

The extra sauce for the bulgogi tasted like Yoshida's.

The rice was plentiful, but on the dry side.

No complaints really; I felt I got what I paid for...….

After this visit; I decided that I needed to try a deli sandwich to just complete the set. I called in an order for the Green Chili Roast Beef ($7). Again I called in my order which was ready for pick-up when I arrived.

As you can see; the sandwich used a standard issue telera style roll; though it was a bit more substantial than some I've had.

This one fell a bit short for me; mainly because I wished for a bit less lettuce and more roast beef. The slice of green chili only covered half the sandwich as well. There was quit a bit of avocado in this though. It was on the bland side overall.

Kim's seems to be a good place for hard working folks to get decent food at a good price.

Folks who are regular readers of our little blog know that I have a definite affection for these family owned, mom-and-pop places. Nothing fancy here; just decent food at good prices and on many days....well, that just fits the bill.

Kim's Deli
8515 Arjons Drive
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 566-0370
Hours:
Mon - Fri 7am - 2pm
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Comments

[MrZ]

Man that brings back memories of when I used to work in business parks and eat sandwiches from random delis. It's not quite the same up here, although the area around my office has a few Korean-owned delis that do sandwiches like that.

I was just thinking the other day that for all the takeout I've had during this pandemic, I miss sitting in a Japanese restaurant and having a basic chicken teriyaki/tempura bento. I haven't had that in over a year.

[kat]

missing plate lunch now...

[Soo]

Good find! Much cheaper than Jersey Mikes.

[Junichi]

Wow. I used to work on Arjons Dr 10+ years ago. Wonder if it was there back then?

[Jason]

I would have loved to have had a place like this near my work (when I still went to an office). Nothing fancy and priced right.

[Kirk]

Hey Mr Z - Nice to hear from you. I like these little mom-and-pop places, they keep folks fed!

Oh man......me too Kat!

And prefer to support these mom-and-pop places than major chains Soo!

Looking at our favorite four-lettered website, I noticed the first post was in 2007, so maybe they were there Junichi!

I really appreciate places like this Jason! Nice people, good prices, fast, convenient!

[Som Tommy]

A new place to try!

[Kirk]

Let me know what you think ST!

[Jenne]

I used to eat here about 15 years ago when I worked at the COC! Funny thing, I stopped in about a year ago and the lady still remembered me! That's customer service. :)

[Kirk]

And that's what makes places like this so special and important Jenne! Hope all is well. It's so nice to hear from you.

[Som Tommy]

Kirk have you tried Creative Deli yet. It is close to my office and not bad. Try the carne asada and the chicken diavolo.

[Kirk]

Nice, another busienss park deli to check out. Thanks ST!