Back after Sandy, and better than ever

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Island Park Delicatessen and Catering
166 Long Beach Road, Island Park
(516) 431-4513, www.islandparkdeli.com

Like so many businesses on the South Shore, Island Park Deli was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy. When the former owner decided to shut down permanently, Roger and Shashi Gujral stepped in and took on the project. After extensive renovations, they have reopened as a gourmet style delicatessen and caterer. Decades of experience made this possible.

Roger Gurjral has been a chef for 40 years, specializing in German, Italian, French and Indian cuisines. Now retired, he has trained his wife, Shashi to do the actual cooking. They retained Manny, the former chef at Island Park Deli, to offer the long-time customers many of their favorite flavors and menu items.

“We are very picky when it comes to quality,” said Roger. “Everything is made fresh on premises daily – salads, muffins, hot dishes. The meat for burgers is ground fresh, and then barbecued to order. Even our coffee is gourmet. We did a taste test of 20 different coffees to find the best of the best.”

Roger brags that his chicken salad cannot be beat. “It’s all in the seasoning,” he says. Shashi specializes in Indian cuisine and serves a different dish every week, made fresh daily. Her Tikka Masala, we hear, deserves major kudos.

Their menu is massive, spanning from breakfast items to make-your-own salads, wraps, sandwiches, gourmet burgers, pressed paninis and specialty ciabattas. Go Mexican for quesadillas and fajitas. Enjoy deli with a hot pastrami or corned beef on rye and a knish. Hot Italian heroes include meatball, eggplant and chicken parmigiana. Or find true comfort with fresh turkey over stuffing with mashed potatoes and a vegetable. There is basically something for every mood, taste, time of day, or craving. Prices are kept truly reasonable.

Island Park Deli will soon be catering to the dinner crowd by offering pre-marinated items. Just put them in the oven, broiler or on the grill and you’ll easily have a home-cooked meal.

Free delivery is available to Long Beach, Lido Beach, Island Park, and Oceanside up to Merrick Road. Island Park Deli will fax menus and daily specials; just call and request it. Winter hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. When the weather warms up, they will stay open longer. Expert catering is available for all occasions.