Quite often while out for a run through downtown Saratoga Springs, I would turn off of the section of Broadway between Phila and Caroline Streets, into the alley that leads to the stairway down to Putnam Street, directly across from the library. In doing so, I would pass the entrance to an eatery I had never been in before: Saratoga’s Broadway Deli. I would always say to myself that one day when I would be out for a walk instead of a run, I should give them a try and stop in for lunch.
While taking a walk downtown yesterday to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather on the first day of Spring, I decided that I would finally have lunch at Saratoga’s Broadway Deli. Being just before noon, my timing was just right as there was no line at the counter. I was immediately able to place my order for the “Brooklyn Pastrami Sandwich” with the young man in attendance. Grabbing a can of seltzer and a bag of chips, I made my payment and proceeded to the dining area, took out my book, and seated myself.
While immersed in my reading, waiting for my order, more customers began to arrive, and the line at the counter grew as the tables around me filled up with more diners. Occasionally, the deli employee working the counter would walk by me as he delivered orders to the tables. Time passed, my reading continued, but it quickly became apparent that many folks, having arrived much later than I, were receiving their food, eating and leaving. With my patient waiting slowly transitioning to a slight degree of annoyance, I began pondering how long it should take to make one sandwich. At first, my reading kept me from paying very much attention to the length of time I had been sitting at that table, but my wait was slowly approaching the one-hour mark.
I was about to go up to the counter to inquire how much longer it would be just as the deli’s server walked up to me and asked me if I was waiting on an order. As I contemplated how this would be my one and only visit to their establishment, I chuckled to the young man, “well, yeah.” He asked what I had ordered and I told him. Immediately retreating back to the kitchen area, he returned in about 10 or 15 minutes with my way overdue sandwich, and apologized for the long delay, explaining that they had lost my order ticket. I was then asked if I was a rewards card member, to which I replied that it was my first time in their establishment. In his interest to make up for the error that was made, he offered me either a full refund, or a rewards card that he had punched all eight of the “meals purchased” on it such that I could get a free meal on my next visit.
By this time, I had already tasted what had to have been one of the best deli sandwiches I’ve had in recent memory, and graciously accepted his offer of a complimentary meal. And to be honest, the sandwich was well worth the wait. I walked out of Saratoga’s Broadway Deli thoroughly pleased with both the quality of the meal I had just experienced, and the commendable action on the part of their employee. I’m only sorry I didn’t get his name. And so, I would like to close by offering my highest recommendation for anyone who has not visited Saratoga’s Broadway Deli to do so the next time they’re in downtown Saratoga Springs. You won’t be sorry.
-Don Proulx, Saratoga Springs
