Backroom Deli Deserves Front-row Attention

by Sarah Mobry

Rochester's Backroom Deli, as described by an employee, is "Ninety-nine percent organic, 100% vegan, and 100% deli-licious." Visitors to this eatery will find exactly that and more.

The Backroom Deli is located in a cozy corner of the Good Food Store Co-op. An easel announces the daily specials, which usually consist of an entree and two soups du jour (one raw). The mural, friendly hand-written menus, and warm welcome from the cooks hint at the fresh meals the deli offers. The dining area consists of quaint wooden tables and booths, and on most days strangers sitting down to their meals will make small talk with one another. Local art occupies the eyes while the scents wafting from the kitchen are sure to stir up the appetite.

The deli offers all-day breakfast foods including homestyle potatoes, sandwiches and wraps (the cajun tofu wrap is not to be missed!), and an ever-changing variety of side dishes and desserts in addition to their daily specials. Beverages include fair-trade coffee, smoothies, organic tea and soda, and even vegan root beer floats. Most ingredients are ones the Good Food Store sells itself; in fact, cooks can sometimes be spotted running into the store to replace what has run out. Although the entire menu is worth a try, the handmade oat pecan burgers are what truly make the Backroom stand out. The delicious and filling burger comes piled with sprouts, tomatoes, pickles, and lettuce; a generous portion of potato salad completes the meal. This is vegan home-cooking at its best!

Find it at Vegguide.org