Downtown Ithaca deli serves up fresh sandwiches on the Commons

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Lou Cassaniti, who's been serving hot dogs from a mobile cart on the Commons for years, opened the Commons Delicatessen just last month. We can now get one of Lou's famous hot dogs all year 'round, and slather Nance's mustard on it, but don't stop there.

Lou is proud of the deli's selection of Boar's Head cold cuts, featuring fresh pastrami and corned beef, turkey, cheeses galore, and even liverwurst, a rare sight these days that I was delighted to see on the menu.

My liverwurst on pumpernickel was piled high, and featured hand-sliced tomato, lettuce, mayo, and mustard, and a friend's Italian sub included delicious prosciutto as well as the more common meats. The pair of sandwiches was just $8 including tax, and all drinks, such as the fine Stewart's Root Beer, are just a buck.

Lou has a sandwich grill, so I'm looking forward to trying some hot, grilled sandwiches on future visits.

Try the fresh soup or the cole slaw or other fresh salads, and leave room for dessert, such as tiramisu or rice pudding. Lou underestimated the demand for creamy rice pudding, served warm with whipped cream, so he ran out over the long holiday weekend, but he promises to keep a good supply in the future. The selection of chips includes Baked Lays, a nice alternative to the typical cheap-and-greasy options at most delis.

Expect to pay $4-8 per person for your meal. The Commons Delicatessen is at 218 East State Street on the Commons, a couple doors down from Simeon's and Paws, or call 607-272-5484. Tell them you heard about them here!