Wafts
of my lunch chastise me at regular intervals from the patchwork of
drips and stains covering my clothes. My sated stomach gurgles. My
conscience is troubled.
Without a second thought or even a napkin, I have scarfed down a sandwich the size of Cleveland–beef brisket covered in melty smoked cheddar with mayonnaise, pickles, onions and peppers on a sourdough bun.
There, I said it.
A surprise find in the Petaluma’s OSH shopping center (I was
actually on my way elsewhere on a food tip), I was pulled in by the
undeniable gravitational pull of fresh barbecue. (You’ll see the smoking
‘cue on the sidewalk just down from Jerome’s BBQ).
On Franzi’s menu board (aside from the brisket) is a United
Nations of sandwiches including the BBQ Tri Tip, pulled pork, Louisiana hot links and Petaluma BBQ chicken, Rueben, Panini and Persian in addition to St. Louis ribs and fresh made Baklava. Most specialities are under $8, which is a pretty good deal for that much meaty goodness.
But oh that evil, delicious gigantic beef brisket! BiteClub could not resist wolfing down
every last morsel on the ride home. Then licking fingers and searching
around for any missed morsels that have escaped the carnage. My dry cleaner will be horrified.
Not that I wasn’t warned. “You eat half now, half for dinner,” said the kindly lady at the Franzi’s Swiss Italian Deli, nearly toppling from the weight of my sandwich. Cha, right.
Oh, the guilt. Oh, the shame. Oh, the stains. Oh, what a sandwich.
Franzi’s Swiss Italian Deli, 1390 North McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707.664.1339
I read in news paper someone who used to eat
at the “Ilatian Swiss Babery, Santa Rosa”
loved the sour dough bread, can’t find it now
I thought you’d know where they’ve gone or
where they might find the bread?
Sincerely,
J. Dupre
PREVIOUS COMMENTS:
MCMC (02/12/2008 2:19:23 PM)
Comment: The not-very-friendly ladies are now history. In their place is a cheerful, welcoming manager who makes a wonderful sandwich, and the woman who makes the great soups is still there as well. I’d definitely go back again and give it another try.
Posted By: Renato (16/07/2008 12:55:03 PM)
Comment: It is true… BBQ no more. The sandwiches are still there, really good ones! But the nice guy in charge of the BBQ is gone. There are now a days a couple of ladies there but they are not very friendly. Today I got my last “Lucifer” there, even though I love the sandwiches I prefer to go somewhere else with a better customer service. It is sad.
Posted By: DougE (22/02/2008 1:18:19 PM)
Comment: I just called the phone number for Franz’s It is now Giovanni’s. Bummer, I was looking forward to that sandwich
Posted By: טכנאי מחשבים (18/02/2008 10:43:26 AM)
Comment: i`v been there and it was very good, it`s realy a shame if they are close now, i hope they will reopen this very nice place.
Posted By: Ted (15/02/2008 10:50:07 PM)
Comment: Franzi’s is no more… judging by the empty store, looks they’ve closed for good… A bummer, I was looking for a good sandwich…
Posted By: Julia Conway (04/12/2007 12:25:13 PM)
Comment: Thanks for the great lead in Petaluma. Those of us on the north coast spend a great deal of time transiting SoCo and unlike locals, never know whats good. My husband had the sausage pannini and wanted me to add that the service was excellent! Keep up the good work!
Posted By: RC (01/08/2007 9:44:04 AM)
Comment: Brisket, huh? Well, if I can ever get over their Reubens, amybe I’ll try it! But, a lil fyi… Breakfast burrito (egg, hash brown, bacon/ham)…. Ready? 2.95! Big enough for a big guy, or for a split between 2 softies… Whatever the case, cheaper than some greased out BK breakfast! And usually 6 soups of the day??? Pretty decent spot, enjoy!
Posted By: nick (28/07/2007 9:43:26 AM)
Comment: your lead paragraph is awesome. it is for this reason that i know franzi’s is truly great, for only something truly great can bring inspiration of that magnitude. nice job.
Posted By: Karen (21/07/2007 6:51:50 PM)
Comment: We LOVE Franzi’s! Our handyman even gives us a discount rate if we bring him panini from Franzi’s. I wonder what he’d do for the brisket…
Just to let all you BBQ kings know, Franzi’s bought that brisket in a plastic bag and reheated it. The Pulled pork was cooked in a crook pot. They were a really good tasting sandwich though. My friends were the Giovanni’s people and he gave them all the secrete sando blue prints.
D’oh! Still good though.