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Fine Food Fast
At Gemini Deli
By The Foodies./ foodie@longislandernews.com
Delicious, fresh food doesn’t have to take a long time
and it sure doesn’t have to break the bank. Gemini Deli
in Melville proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Gemini might be the most soothing delicatessen you’ve
set foot into in a long time, and in the shadow of all that
construction by the Northern State, that’s a very welcome
respite. The staff is friendly and attentive and the décor,
with intricate mosaic tile work, soft, warm colors and wood
trim, does any intimate bistro in town proud.
So, too, does the fare they serve up to customers. Breakfast
is an all-day affair at Gemini, and considering no menu item
exceeds $4 before add-ons, you can’t go wrong. Eggs any
style and omelets are available plated or on a roll, either
to go or as a late brunch nosh. I had the Western Omelet ($3.99),
a colorful combination of ham, peppers, onions and cheddar
wrapped in eggs. On the run, I opted to have it on wheat toast.
Other choices include oatmeal, bagels, muffins, parfaits and
fruit salad.
Lunchtime offers a wide selection touching on all corners
of the world. From the Classic Reuben ($6.95) to Sirloin Burgers
($6.95) to chicken kabobs, fajitas, gyros and a Caribbean-infused
Jerk Chicken Quesadilla ($6.95), you’ve got all your
bases covered. Daily specials are posted on their Facebook
page every day, and the steam table is loaded with classic
Italian staples like chicken parmigiana, marsala and francaise.
And that’s all before you get to the panini, signature
sandwiches and wraps.
With a dozen or so varieties glaring at me from behind the
glass, the panini (all $6.95) won the battle for my stomach.
I chose the excellent Blackened Chicken Panini, loaded with
chicken, pico de gallo, avocado, pepper jack cheese and Chipotle
ranch dressing. The flavors complement each other very well,
bringing out just the right amount of heat, and the chicken
is tender and juicy. When Gemini tells you they’re stuffing
their panini with “fresh, fabulous fillings,” they’re
not kidding.
If you’re throwing a party and you don’t want to
cook, keep Gemini in mind – they deliver, cater and handle
corporate accounts. While their hours wind up well before
dinnertime, that’s no reason you can’t take Gemini
home with you. The chopped salad bar ($7.49, with five toppings
and dressing) and the grab-and-go salad bar ($5.25-$6.75)
offer lighter options you can hang on to for later.
Gemini Deli
1198 Walt Whitman Road, Melville
631-692-6400 (phone)
631-692-6492 (fax)
www.geminideli.com
Atmosphere: Classic and soothing
Cuisine: All-American deli favorites
Price: Inexpensive
Hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
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