Genova Deli in Temescal: arrivederci!

Genova Delicatessen opened its doors in the Temescal Neighborhood of North Oakland in 1926. Pictured above: their steam table offerings including several varieties of their renowned ravioli, and according to acclaim, one of the Bay Area's best versions of lasagna.

Here's what the place looks like now from the parking lot. The old, much more soulful location was across the street. Anyway, they're open here through Saturday. Pretty sure their Napa store will stay open.

Typical crowd, about 50 people. Though, according to their numbering system, more like 170 people in  front of me.

This place besides serving great hot food and Italian sandwiches has stuff like superb imported cheese, salt-cured anchovies and arborio rice. Which I bought, eventually.

At first I didn't think it would take that long, and, indeed most folks left after taking a number. I waited nearly two hours. But it was worth it, soaking in the vibe, listening to countless locals, some as old as Genova Deli itself, wax nostalgic. A bunch of us were clustered around photos of the old place. "I remember that guy!" and "they always made their own sausages, see them hanging?" and "these local places have soul and you can't replace that--the people that own the land, they don't live here, as in they live in some other country--they're just making rent money."

At last, the nice young woman was making our sandwiches! Note the cheese in foreground. Should have gotten some Parm.

Robin's sandwich: Roast Beef on Sourdough with Horseradish. Too much of the latter according to her. Took her a while to finish it.

Mine was the #9 Specialty Sandwich, the Genova Salami, with Salami, Prosciutto, Mortadello, Provolone, sauteed bell peppers & eggplant, & oil & vinegar on ciabatta.

Magnifico.