After successful a cult following as a pop-up, GiGi’s Deli has discovered a everlasting dwelling. San Antonio sandwich lovers can now devour its Italian-style grinders 5 days every week at El Tigre Espresso at 123 Heiman St. in St. Paul Sq..
Chef Matt Garcia, an alum of The Cookhouse and Barbaro, began GiGi’s in 2021 with a pop-up at Little Demise on the St. Mary’s Strip. Pop-culture themes like Imply Ladies, The Sopranos, and Seinfeld could have piqued locals’ curiosity, however the roving idea quickly garnered a repute for making among the finest sandwiches on the town earlier than Garcia took a hiatus to pursue different initiatives.
The residency permits Garcia to sling sandwiches 5 days every week. Breakfast features a trio of egg and cheese sandwiches made with a alternative of bacon, pastrami, or Munchos potato chips.
The lunch choices are somewhat meatier. The Italian Disco is full of mortadella, prosciutto, salami, and pepper relish, whereas the Uncle Ruben options pastrami, Swiss, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. We won’t confirm if the latter is a reference to a villain within the Tom Hanks’ horror-comedy The ‘Burbs, however it’s certifiably a baddie.
Each the breakfast and lunch sandwiches can be found all day and may be accomplished with a aspect of Lays or home pasta salad. Sandwich followers additionally should not procrastinate in the event that they wish to strive them. The ever-restless chef could be leaving the pop-up life behind, however he plans to rotate the menu frequently and have quite a lot of seasonal specials.
El Tigre Espresso itself is comparatively new. Proprietor Tatanka Guerrero took over the previous dwelling of Vice Versa Espresso & Music in February after relocating to San Antonio. On the time, he promised he had just a few culinary ideas within the works.
“Bringing GiGi’s Deli again has been a dream of mine,” shares Garcia. “It is not nearly sandwiches — it is in regards to the individuals, and the sensation of sharing meals meaning one thing to me. I am excited to provide San Antonio a bit of that, and to see GiGi’s Deli come alive once more in our group.”
GiGi’s Deli is now open 5 days every week, Wednesday by means of Sunday. Hours are 8 am-3 pm day by day.