When Sam Sarkisian closed his cozy Macedonia deli last summer, we cried bitter tears. Where would we ever again find corned beef sandwiches as ample, or corned beef hash as savory, as the stuff that he dished up? Well, now we know. Sarkisian has resurfaced a few miles north, in the rear of a Bedford Heights convenience store. And if his new digs are considerably less than elegant, there is no doubt that that his corned beef is still king.
We stopped by last week, for a towering New Yorker -- our pick for one of the best corned beef sandwiches in town. Crafted from stacks of lush, lean meat, crunchy cole slaw, and Swiss on fresh rye bread ($8.25), it was delicious and plenty for two to share. Next time, though, we're heading straight for the hash -- in an egg, hash, and cheese panini ($2.50), maybe, or on the baked potato, where it's joined by Swiss and a slather of Thousand Island dressing ($2.99).
For now, the new Zachary's Deli is mostly carryout, although Sarkisian hopes to add more tables soon. Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; credit cards are accepted, and orders can be placed by phone (440-786-0055) or fax (440-786-1055). Find the spot inside the Shop-and-Go at 25480 Aurora Rd, at the corner of Rockside and Aurora roads. -- Elaine T. Cicora
